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THE Federal Territories Pardons Board is scheduled to meet today, putting renewed focus on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s request to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The official agenda has not been disclosed, and there has been no confirmation that Najib’s request will be discussed at the meeting.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh confirmed the meeting but declined to comment on whether any application involving Najib would be on the agenda.
The Pardons Board forms part of the constitutional process for clemency in the Federal Territories, while the power to grant a pardon, reprieve or respite rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The board’s role is therefore to consider the matter and provide its advice to the King, rather than make the final decision on Najib’s request.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, has expressed hope that the best decision will be reached on the house arrest request.
Zahid said the matter falls within the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and that the King’s discretion and wisdom should be respected.
"Ultimately, let those with the authority carry out their respective duties and responsibilities. Whatever decision is made must be respected as long as it goes through the proper process."
The matter is also being closely watched within UMNO, where Najib retains support among sections of the party’s grassroots.
Any consideration of the request at the meeting would mark a further step in the clemency process, although the ultimate decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. - September 11, 2026
