World · Singapore Bureau
Malaysia's Pardons Board to reconsider Najib's release next week
The board will meet on September 18 to revisit the case of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, just days after deferring a decision. Sources say the unusual move signals potential high-level intervention in the matter.
LSN Singapore ·
Malaysia's Pardons Board is set to convene on September 18 to reconsider the case of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. The meeting comes as a surprise development, following the board's decision last week to defer action on Najib's potential release or sentence remission.
The swift scheduling of another meeting is described as rare and unusual, with sources suggesting it may indicate possible intervention at higher levels. Najib, who was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal, has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since being incarcerated in August 2023.
The timing of the board's decision remains closely watched, as it touches on sensitive political matters in Malaysia. The Pardons Board, which comprises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and state rulers, has the constitutional authority to grant pardons, commute sentences, or remit fines.
No official statement has been released regarding the agenda for the September 18 meeting or details about what prompted the rapid reconvening of the board. Legal observers have noted that such quick successive meetings are uncommon in Malaysia's pardons process.