Najib's Pardon Plea Deferred to Agong's Discretion, Says PM

Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that the final decision on Najib Razak's application for a pardon rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, stating that the government's responsibility is confined to offering legal guidance on the matter.

The Prime Minister outlined that his administration's involvement extends only to presenting opinions grounded in law and recommendations from the Attorney-General, rather than making an independent determination on the former prime minister's plea.

Najib, who is serving a 12-year sentence for his conviction in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, submitted a pardon petition to the Agong earlier this year. The application has since been referred to a special committee for deliberation.

Anwar's clarification underscores the separation between the executive's advisory role and the constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in matters of royal clemency, a distinction that has drawn scrutiny given the sensitivity surrounding Najib's case and ongoing legal proceedings.

The handling of the pardon application comes amid broader discussions about accountability and the rule of law in Malaysia's post-electoral politics.