Royal Prerogative Upheld in Najib’s Conditional Pardon, Anti-Corruption Commitment Intact, Says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — The decision to grant a conditional pardon to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak falls strictly within the constitutional royal prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Communications Minister and MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil affirmed today.

Fahmi stated that the government, particularly Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Attorney General, had provided comprehensive advice regarding the legal implications, national stability, and the principle of the rule of law.

“The government takes note of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision in exercising His Majesty’s powers to grant pardons, reprieves and respites as provided for under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution,” Fahmi told Bernama. “The decision to grant a conditional pardon to Datuk Seri Najib, including house arrest and a RM50 million fine, falls within the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

Reiterating the administration’s broader governance objectives, Fahmi gave full assurance that the government’s stance against corruption remains firm and unchanged despite the decision.

“All cases, including those involving Datuk Seri Najib that are still ongoing, as well as other corruption cases, will continue to be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he emphasized.

The minister’s comments follow the royal decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consenting to a conditional pardon that allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of an RM50 million fine.

The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department confirmed that the decision was finalized during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya held at Istana Negara earlier today.

–NMT