30-1-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Pardons Board is anticipated to reveal its decision on the application of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s jail term today. Sources suggest that the board has deliberated on the matter and reached a verdict.
According to reports, the Pardons Board had convened a meeting on Monday, with one of the agenda items being Najib’s incarceration. The meeting, reportedly the last official gathering before the end of the reign of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today, was held as scheduled.
The meeting, as per Utusan Malaysia, had faced several postponements previously, noted Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Zaliha confirmed that the meeting, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, was slated to proceed on Monday, despite previous delays.
Speculation surrounding Najib’s jail term has intensified in recent weeks. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated on Jan 10 that the Cabinet had not addressed matters concerning the Pardons Board, including Najib’s case, emphasizing that the Cabinet cannot intervene in the process.
Najib currently serves a 12-year jail sentence following his conviction on one count of abuse of power related to Retirement Fund Inc’s (KWAP) RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd, along with three counts each of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power concerning RM42 million of SRC funds, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
In August 2022, the Federal Court upheld Najib’s conviction.
In Malaysia, each state has its own Pardons Board, chaired by the respective sultan or Yang di-Pertua (or governor). The board comprises five members, including the attorney general, the chief minister or menteri besar, and three other members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the state ruler.
For the Federal Territories, the board includes the prime minister, as the region falls under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department.
