Najib’s conditional pardon doesn’t weaken our stand on graft, says Anwar

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said while the party respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons under the Federal Constitution, it also upholds the rule of law and opposes corruption. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: DAP’s central executive committee will meet tomorrow to discuss and decide the party’s position and follow-up action after former prime minister Najib Razak was granted a conditional pardon today allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.In a statement, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook stressed that the party respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons, and said it has always upheld the principles of constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.Loke said DAP upholds the rule of law and opposes corruption, pointing out that public anger over 1MDB contributed to the change of government in GE14 in 2018.He said the 1MDB scandal tarnished Malaysia’s image and eroded public and investor confidence in the country’s institutions.He noted that the finance ministry had said on Sept 13 that the government’s total obligations related to 1MDB amounted to RM51.4 billion, comprising RM42.5 billion already paid by the government, and RM8.9 billion in outstanding debt.“DAP has been consistent from the outset in demanding justice and accountability over the 1MDB scandal,” he said.“We have fought for the misappropriation to be thoroughly investigated, and for those responsible to be brought through an independent and fair legal process.“The people’s mandate to oppose corruption and abuse of power will continue to guide DAP.”Loke also said federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh had conveyed a position consistent with the party’s principles while carrying out her responsibilities as a member of the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB).Yeoh is one of DAP's three assistant secretaries-general.“As she has explained, those views were conveyed honestly and frankly in the interest of the country,” he said.Earlier today, the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister’s Department announced that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, had granted Najib a conditional pardon following a FTPB meeting.Under the conditional pardon, Najib will serve the remainder of his sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment o… MIC deputy president M Saravanan said Najib Razak had done 'good things' as prime minister, especially for the Indian community, while MCA president Wee Ka Siong said judicial and pardon processes must be understood as separate constitutional procedures.PETALING JAYA: Leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties MIC and MCA have expressed their gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, for the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Razak.MIC deputy president M Saravanan said he was happy, as Najib had contributed significantly to the nation during his time as prime minister, especially for the Indian community.“No one can deny the amount of good things and initiatives the man has done for the nation.“And, despite his shortfalls, he has served his sentence in prison for some time.

For a character like Najib, being in prison for a few years is more than enough. He deserves house arrest,” he told FMT.MCA president Wee Ka Siong expressed the party’s “utmost gratitude” for the decision, saying that the judicial and pardon processes must be understood as separate constitutional processes.“Respecting the decision of the pardons board does not mean denying the court's decision, just as respecting the court's decision does not mean questioning the power of pardon provided by the constitution.“Both form integral parts of the country’s legal and constitutional system and must be respected,” he said in a Facebook post.Earlier today, the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister’s Department said Najib had been granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of his RM50 million fine.The division said the conditional pardon was granted by Sultan Ibrahim following the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board today.Najib, 73, has been serving a six-year sentence at Kajang prison after the board halved his original 12-year sentence in February 2024. The original RM210 million fine was also reduced to RM50 million.He was imprisoned in August 2022 after the Federal Court dismissed his final appeal in the case.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said Malaysians continue to remember and appreciate former prime minister Najib Razak's contributions and service to the nation. PETALING JAYA: PAS believes former prime minister Najib Razak can contribute to the country while he serves the remainder of his prison sentence at home. PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party is grateful to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, for granting Najib a conditional pardon today.

Under the conditional pardon, Najib will serve the remainder of his sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of his RM50 million fine. “This is highly meaningful not only for Najib’s family, but also for Malaysians who continue to remember and appreciate Najib's contributions and service as a leader who brought development to the country and prosperity to its people,” Takiyuddin said in a statement. “PAS believes he can still contribute ideas, views, and experience for the good of the country.” Takiyuddin also prayed that Najib would remain in good health while serving the remainder of his sentence at home.

Earlier today, the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister’s Department announced that Najib had received a conditional pardon by the Agong following the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board. Najib, 73, has been serving a six-year sentence at Kajang prison after the board halved his original 12-year sentence in February 2024. The original RM210 million fine was also reduced to RM50 million.

He was imprisoned in August 2022 after the Federal Court dismissed his final appeal in the case. Separately, Malaysian Indian People’s Party president P Punithan expressed his gratitude to the king for granting Najib the conditional pardon. Punithan told FMT he hoped Najib would use the opportunity to continue serving Malaysians in whatever capacity is permitted under the conditions of the pardon.