World · Malaysia Bureau
King leaves palace as cabinet weighs ex-PM Najib's pardon bid
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong departed Istana Negara on Tuesday following a meeting expected to address the pardon application of former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The decision could carry significant implications for Malaysia's political landscape.
LSN Malaysia ·

His Majesty the King left the national palace after attending proceedings that were widely anticipated to examine the former premier's petition for royal clemency. The timing of the meeting underscores the gravity with which the matter is being treated at the highest level of state.
Najib has been serving a 12-year sentence following his conviction in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal. His legal team has pursued multiple avenues for appeal and clemency, with the pardon application representing one of the final recourses available to him.
The cabinet-level deliberation reflects the complex intersection of legal, political and constitutional considerations surrounding the high-profile case. Any decision by the palace would represent a watershed moment in Malaysia's recent judicial and political history.
The outcome of such proceedings typically requires careful evaluation of legal precedent, the nature of the original conviction, and considerations of public interest. Officials have not yet issued formal statements regarding the discussions held during Tuesday's meeting at Istana Negara.