Malaysia's Pardons Board set to decide on Najib Razak's early release

Malaysia's Pardons Board is scheduled to meet on September 11 to deliberate on an application for early release by former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence for corruption-related offences.

The timing of the meeting coincides with UMNO's national congress, where party members are expected to gather. Najib, who served as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2018, was convicted in July 2020 in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, one of the world's largest financial frauds.

Under Malaysia's legal framework, the Pardons Board has the authority to recommend a royal pardon or reduction of sentence to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional monarch. Any decision to grant early release would require the King's formal approval.

The case has remained a focal point of Malaysian politics, with Najib's supporters maintaining his innocence and calling for his release. His legal team has previously filed appeals against his conviction, though these have been unsuccessful to date.