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MIC, MCA welcome conditional pardon for former PM Najib

Senior leaders from two component parties of Malaysia's ruling coalition have expressed support for a conditional pardon for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, arguing that his years of imprisonment constitute sufficient punishment.

LSN Malaysia · 18 September 2026

MIC, MCA welcome conditional pardon for former PM Najib

The Malaysian Indian Congress and Malaysian Chinese Association have signalled openness to a conditional pardon for the former premier, who has been serving a custodial sentence following his conviction on corruption-related charges.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan stated that the years Najib has already spent in prison represent an adequate period of incarceration for the former leader. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among certain quarters of the ruling coalition regarding the former prime minister's case.

The development comes as discussions continue within government circles about potential pathways forward in the high-profile legal matter. Both parties, which form part of the Barisan Nasional coalition, have historically maintained close ties to figures within the administration.

Conditions typically attached to such pardons would include restrictions on political activity and public office eligibility. The remarks from MIC and MCA leadership suggest growing momentum among coalition partners toward exploring mechanisms that could resolve the prolonged legal proceedings.

Any final decision on a pardon would require approval from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional monarch who holds authority over such matters under Malaysia's legal framework.