Malaysia King Defers Ruling on Former Prime Minister Najib Razak's Pardon Bid
2 sources across 2 countries · Malaysia · United States
Who reported this
- Malaysiakini
- Bloomberg
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- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has deferred a ruling on the royal pardon application for jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister's Department announced on Friday that the matter has been postponed to a future Pardons Board meeting with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The decision comes amid political tension between coalition partners. The center-left leaning source reports that Pakatan Harapan, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, recently reiterated that those convicted in high-profile corruption cases must serve their full sentences. In response, UMNO accused Harapan of belittling the constitutional powers of the Malay rulers. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that UMNO is hoping for the best outcome and remains confident in the Agong's wisdom.
Najib, 72, has been imprisoned since August 2022 for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International. While his initial sentence was later reduced to six years and a RM50 million fine, he was convicted of corruption a second time in December last year and sentenced to 15 years in jail and a RM11.38 billion fine. This second conviction may keep him in prison even if he receives clemency for the SRC International case.
During the 63rd Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, the King consented to the release of 65 other prisoners. Non-citizen prisoners granted a pardon are expected to be deported within six months of their release.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The center-left leaning source provided extensive political context, highlighting the friction between Pakatan Harapan and UMNO regarding the pardon.
- Centre
- The center leaning source provided a concise, factual report focusing on the King's decision to defer the ruling.
Sources
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