The Federal Territories Pardons Board has categorically denied the existence of any additional documents, or an “addendum,” linked to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s amnesty case. The board’s secretariat, under the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, confirmed that their official records hold no supplementary orders or instructions from the National Palace.
This clarification comes after Najib’s assertion that an addendum was added to the Pardons Board's January 29, 2024 decision, allegedly allowing him to serve the remainder of his reduced six-year sentence under house arrest. In its statement, the secretariat emphasized that no such documents exist in their files or records.
“The BHEUU, acting as the Pardons Board's secretariat, confirms that no additional document or addendum is in the official records. Furthermore, no notification or directive was received from the Istana Negara regarding this matter,” the statement read.
The secretariat warned against statements that could mislead the public or create confusion about Board's role and responsibilities, stressing that legal action could be taken if necessary to preserve the integrity of the process.
The Pardons Board meeting on January 29, 2024, chaired by the then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah, resulted in the reduction of Najib’s original 12-year jail term to six years and a reduction of his RM210 million fine to RM50 million. However, the board’s official announcement made no mention of any provisions for house arrest.
Najib, serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since his conviction, continues to pursue legal avenues to validate the alleged addendum. His case was recently sent back to the High Court by the Court of Appeal for reassignment to a new judge.
If Najib secures a standard one-third remission for good behavior and pays the RM50 million fine, his jail term could end as early as August 2026. Otherwise, his sentence will conclude in August 2028.
The Pardons Board clarified its independent structure, established under the Federal Constitution. The secretariat emphasized that the board is not a government agency or department under the BHEUU and that the BHEUU’s role is limited to providing administrative support.
All Pardons Board documents and proceedings are protected under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), accessible only to members and directly authorized individuals. “No one, regardless of rank or position, has access to these documents without authorization, ensuring confidentiality and integrity,” the secretariat asserted.
Najib’s ongoing legal battle over the alleged addendum keeps the spotlight on the case, with the nation awaiting further developments.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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