THE anticipated official statement from the Pardons Board regarding former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for freedom is not expected today. The board aims to avoid overshadowing the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar swearing-in ceremony.
Speculation about a Home Ministry announcement at a press conference has been dismissed.
Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil’s post-cabinet press conference this evening may conclude with a request to await the board’s statement, reinforcing the government’s effort to separate executive and Pardons Board decisions.
Moreover, the board chaired by the King likely convened on Monday (Feb 5) to decide on Najib’s pardon bid, one of the last acts under Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s tenure.
Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa – who sits on the board – confirmed a decision was reached yesterday (Jan 30) but the statement’s timing remains undisclosed.
Furthermore, intense speculation centers around three possible outcomes.
Najib may secure a full pardon, potentially leading to his imminent release from Kajang Prison. Another scenario gaining traction is a reduction in his 12-year jail sentence, with some speculating a potential halving of the term. The third possibility is that the Pardons Board rejects Najib’s bid.
Najib’s current imprisonment stems from his conviction in the RM42 mil SRC International corruption case. The High Court’s initial 12-year sentence was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
Beyond this case, Najib faces ongoing legal challenges including four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering, involving a substantial sum of RM2.27 bil linked to the 1MDB scandal. – Jan 31, 2023
