Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak could have his early release confirmed as soon as Sept 11, potentially allowing him to serve the remainder of his corruption sentence under house arrest, according to government sources cited by The Straits Times.
Federal Territories Pardons Board Meeting Set for Sept 11
A Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting is scheduled for Sept 11, presided over by Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, with Najib’s clemency bid on the agenda, government sources told The Straits Times. According to an official speaking on condition of anonymity, “The minutes mention the matter of whether Najib should be allowed house arrest.” Najib began serving a 12-year prison sentence in August 2022 following a graft conviction related to a subsidiary of 1MDB. In 2024, the Pardons Board halved his prison term to six years and reduced his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Legal Battles Over House Arrest and Royal Addendum
Najib previously argued that the former King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad of Pahang, issued an addendum decreeing that he serve his remaining sentence under house arrest. However, the High Court ruled in 2025 that the addendum was unenforceable because it was not discussed by the Pardons Board, rendering it unconstitutional. A ruling party source told The Straits Times that “besides the High Court ruling, there is no specific provision for house arrest under the law. So the King could decide that a fresh pardon would stand on firmer ground.” Separately, Free Malaysia Today reported that Najib withdrew his appeal against the High Court dismissal of his house arrest application.
Pakatan Harapan Pushback and Political Friction
The potential clemency has caused friction within Malaysia’s multi-coalition federal government. Pakatan Harapan (PH) held a leadership meeting on Sept 8 where coalition sources told The Straits Times the discussion diverted to Najib’s possible release. Following the meeting, the PH secretariat issued a statement asserting that any individual convicted of corruption or abuse of power must fully serve their court-mandated sentences. Sources indicated that Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar and Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, both tied to the administration, are expected to voice objections during the Pardons Board session.
Pro Tip for Readers
Understanding Malaysia’s judicial system requires tracking the distinct roles of the Pardons Board—chaired by the King for Federal Territories or state rulers locally—versus the civil court system, which handles ongoing trials like Najib’s separate conviction on 25 counts of abuse of power and money laundering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who presides over the Federal Territories Pardons Board?
The board is presided over by Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, alongside members including the Attorney-General and the Federal Territories Minister, according to The Straits Times.
What was Najib Razak’s original sentence?
Najib was originally sentenced in August 2022 to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds, as reported by outlets including Free Malaysia Today.
Did the court approve Najib’s house arrest?
No. According to Free Malaysia Today and court records, High Court judge Alice Loke dismissed Najib’s application to serve his sentence under house arrest on Dec 22 last year.
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