Tan Sri Mohamed Shafee Abdullah, the lead counsel for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, revealed that they are seriously considering submitting a second application for a full royal pardon regarding Najib's conviction and sentence in the SRC International case.
Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur court complex, Shafee expressed their intention to wait for the opportune moment to file the petition, emphasizing the importance of timing and awaiting Najib's instructions.
"We are seriously thinking about another petition for a full pardon. I don't want to rush into it because the new King has yet to assume his position, and I want to await Najib's guidance," Shafee stated.
According to Shafee, Najib's legal team believes that he did not receive a fair trial, particularly during the RM42 million SRC International case, citing the Federal Court's refusal to grant an adjournment for appeal proceedings in 2022.
On February 2, the Federal Territories Pardons Board announced a reduction in Najib's prison sentence from 12 years to six, along with a decrease in his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million. However, an additional year would be added to the sentence if he failed to pay the reduced fine.
Najib had previously submitted his first application for a royal pardon on September 2, 2022, shortly after commencing his jail term on August 23 at Kajang prison. According to the Prisons Regulations 2000, a prisoner can submit a second petition three years after their conviction, with subsequent petitions allowed every two years, unless under special circumstances.
Shafee highlighted the provision for "special circumstances," suggesting that Najib might not need to wait three years before submitting a second application.
Furthermore, Shafee reiterated their pursuit of a full or "free pardon," akin to the pardon granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2018. He expressed concerns over the transparency and consistency of the Pardons Board's processes, suggesting potential irregularities.
"In light of these concerns, we are considering another application for a full royal pardon. We will determine the timing of the application, supported by sufficient grounds, including new ones," Shafee affirmed.
Responding to inquiries regarding the possibility of Najib being granted parole, Shafee acknowledged the possibility but noted that the decision rested with the prisons department. Additionally, he disclosed that Najib had yet to pay the reduced fine of RM50 million.
Shafee's remarks underscore the ongoing legal maneuvers surrounding Najib's conviction, highlighting the complexities of seeking clemency within the Malaysian legal framework.
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