7-2-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, currently serving a reduced sentence in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, is considering submitting a fresh petition for a full pardon, his lawyer disclosed on Wednesday (Feb 7). This revelation comes less than a week after a special panel agreed to halve Najib’s jail term.
Najib had originally received a 12-year prison sentence following his conviction in a case linked to the 1MDB scandal. Previously, he had applied for clemency, but the pardons board, chaired by Malaysia’s king, decided to reduce his sentence last week.
According to Najib’s lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, the possibility of a new pardon petition is being explored due to concerns regarding the fairness of his client’s trial. Najib has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Shafee also expressed reservations about the pardons process overseen by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, who concluded his five-year tenure as king on Jan 30, shortly after announcing the reduction in Najib’s sentence.
“I don’t believe the pardons board functioned in accordance with the constitution,” remarked Shafee, highlighting potential procedural irregularities.
