DAP calls for release of Najib pardon board minutes

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has called on the government to release the minutes of the Federal Pardon Board meeting that resulted in the commutation of former Prime Minister Najib Razak's prison sentence.

The opposition party's call for transparency comes weeks after the Pardon Board decided to reduce Najib's 12-year sentence to six years, prompting widespread public debate about the decision-making process and criteria used.

DAP has argued that releasing the minutes would provide greater clarity to the public on how the board reached its determination and ensure accountability in the exercise of the royal prerogative of mercy. The party has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to consider the request as part of efforts to strengthen government transparency.

The commutation decision remains a contentious issue among Malaysians, with some viewing it as a sign of political favouritism while others argue it represents a balanced judicial outcome. Najib is serving his sentence at Sungai Petani Prison following his conviction on charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

The government has not yet responded to DAP's request for the release of the Pardon Board minutes.