Anwar urges respect for Pardons Board’s decision in Najib’s sentence commutation

MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to respect the decision of the Pardons Board to commute the sentence of Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar emphasized that the decision to reduce Najib’s sentence was not solely a legal matter but fell within the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Anwar acknowledged his role in ensuring Najib’s application reached the Pardons Board, citing it as his duty as Prime Minister.

However, he denied any expedited processing of the application, stating, “The application was made, and it is true that as prime minister, I ensured it was heard. I acknowledge responsibility for that,” according to a report by The Star.

Disputing claims that Najib had to serve a minimum of three years before a pardon application could be considered, Anwar clarified that anyone convicted for the first time could submit an application for a pardon.

On 2 February, the Pardons Board announced a reduction in Najib’s original 12-year sentence, halving it to six years.

This adjustment implies a potential earlier release date of 23 August 2028.

Additionally, the original RM210 million (approximately US$44.5 million) fine was reduced to RM50 million (approximately (US$10.6 million), with the condition that early release is contingent upon full payment of the revised amount.

Failure to pay would result in an additional year of imprisonment, leading to a potential release date of 23 August 2029.

Lawyers for Liberty express concerns over impact of Najib’s reduced sentence on Malaysia’s global reputation

An earlier report stated that Lawyers for Liberty expressed concern that the reduction in Najib’s sentence would harm Malaysia’s international standing and image on Saturday (3 Feb).

Zaid Malek, the organization’s director, emphasized the global implications of the 1MDB corruption scandal, involving corrupt transactions across multiple countries.

Zaid argued that the reduction in Najib’s sentence represents a dangerous turning point for Malaysia, causing incalculable damage to its international reputation.

He highlighted the immediate impact on the current government, asserting a significant loss of moral authority due to Najib’s reduced sentence.

Referring to the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who chaired the Pardons Board, Zaid stated that the King acted on advice provided to him.

He criticized Anwar for allegedly attempting to shift responsibility for the reduction to the King, deeming it constitutionally incorrect.

According to Zaid, the power of pardon is exercised by the King based on the advice of the Pardons Board for the federal territories, as outlined in Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.