Malaysia’s ruling coalition said on Wednesday that people convicted in high profile corruption cases should serve their full sentences, amid reports that jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak has made another request for a royal pardon.
The Sin Chew Daily newspaper reported that the Pardons Board, chaired by King Sultan Ibrahim, is expected to meet on Friday, with Najib’s request possibly among the matters under consideration. It was unclear whether the board would make a decision immediately.
Najib has been in prison since 2022 after being convicted in corruption cases linked to the multibillion dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
In 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his original 12 year sentence by half and cut the fine imposed on him. Najib later sought to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, but the legal bid was unsuccessful. He was sentenced to another 15 years in prison in December 2025 in a separate 1MDB case.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan coalition said corruption convictions, particularly those involving prominent figures, must be fully respected.
“The rule of law” also required ongoing judicial proceedings to be completed independently and without the perception that outside considerations had influenced the process, the coalition said.
A fresh pardon for Najib could create political difficulties for Anwar, who has faced criticism from reformist allies over his handling of high level corruption cases.
Pakatan Harapan formed a government with Najib’s former party, UMNO, after the 2022 election produced a hung parliament. The alliance has faced disagreements over Najib’s case, with some UMNO members continuing to call for his release.
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