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The federal Cabinet convened today to deliberate on the pardon application of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that, despite the discussion, the Cabinet lacks authority in this matter. He emphasized that the Pardons Board holds the exclusive jurisdiction to decide on Najib's sentence.
During a press conference at his ministry, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that the Cabinet was briefed on the matter but acknowledged that the Pardons Board, as outlined in the Federal Constitution, is the sole authority responsible for determining its members and procedures. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who attended the Pardons Board meeting, indicated that the board is anticipated to release a statement regarding Najib’s pardon application.
Recent reports suggested that the Pardons Board meeting, held on Monday, would address Najib's bid for a royal pardon. The meeting was said to be chaired by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Riáyatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah, whose reign concluded recently. The new 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, was inaugurated today.
Najib has been in prison since August 23, 2022, following the Federal Court's confirmation of his conviction for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering related to the RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Having spent over a year and five months in prison, Najib submitted his pardon application on September 2, 2022. As the alleged SRC offenses occurred in the Federal Territories, the Pardons Board responsible for evaluating his application is the one designated for the Federal Territories.
In accordance with the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong presides over the meetings of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories, which includes the attorney-general, the Federal Territories minister, and up to three other members appointed by the Agong. For a comprehensive overview of the royal pardon process in Malaysia, refer to Malay Mail's summary.
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