In a surprising move, Malaysia's Pardons Board announced on Friday that it has reduced the jail sentence of former Prime Minister Najib Razak by half, along with a significant reduction in the fine imposed on him. This decision comes less than two years into his sentence for his involvement in a corruption case related to the misappropriation of billions of dollars from state funds.
According to the statement released by the board, Najib will now be released on August 23, 2028, instead of serving the full 12-year sentence. Additionally, his fine of 210 million ringgit ($44.5 million) has been reduced to 50 million ringgit. It remains uncertain whether Najib will be eligible for further reductions in his sentence based on good behavior, which could potentially result in an earlier release date, possibly as early as August 2026.
Najib's conviction, however, has not diminished his influence within his party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). The UMNO is now a member of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government, which came into power after the general elections in 2022. Despite facing legal consequences, Najib continues to wield political influence.
The Pardons Board did not provide any explanation for the decision to commute Najib's sentence, nor did it clarify the timing of the announcement. Although the board is not obligated to provide reasons for its actions, calls for an explanation are growing from critics who deem transparency crucial in this matter.
The board stated that it considered Najib's application for a royal pardon during its meeting on Monday. After reviewing advice and opinions, it decided to reduce both the sentence and the fine. The meeting was chaired by the former king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who hails from Najib's home state of Pahang. It is worth noting that a new king assumed the throne on Wednesday under Malaysia's unique rotating monarchy system.
The granting of a pardon to Najib raises questions, particularly after the recent dropping of 47 graft charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, another prominent UMNO leader. Critics argue that these actions portray a two-tier justice system, with one set of rules for the political elite and another for the ordinary citizens.
Some individuals have urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to express his stance on the decision, given his image as a reformer. However, experts anticipate that the backlash against this decision will be limited. James Chin, a professor of Asian studies at Australia's University of Tasmania, believes that once the Malay community is informed about the king's prerogative, their opposition may subside, as this community tends to have a feudalistic approach.
In response to the news, Najib's daughter, Nooryana Najwa Najib, expressed appreciation for the reduction in sentence but also expressed disappointment that her father was not granted a full pardon for immediate release.
Najib Razak, aged 70, was imprisoned in August 2022 after losing the final appeal in his first corruption trial connected to the massive scandal surrounding the state fund 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This imprisonment marked a historical moment for Malaysia, as Najib became the country's first former prime minister to be incarcerated following the defeat of his long-ruling coalition in the 2018 general election, largely due to the 1MDB scandal.
1MDB was initiated by Najib shortly after he came into power in 2009, aiming to drive economic development. However, investigators allege that over $4.5 billion was embezzled from the fund and laundered by Najib's associates through complex networks of bank accounts, financing extravagant purchases such as luxury hotels, a yacht, artwork, and jewelry. A significant portion, around $700 million, ended up in Najib's personal bank accounts.
In 2020, Najib was found guilty of seven counts of corruption in relation to the illicit receipt of $9.4 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. Additionally, he is still facing multiple other trials related to graft charges linked to the 1MDB scandal. Meanwhile, his wife, Rosmah Mansor, was sentenced in 2022 to ten years in prison and a record fine of 970 million ringgit for her involvement in corruption related to a solar energy project. She is currently out on bail pending an appeal.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Najib has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that he was deceived by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, believed to be the mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal, who remains at large.
The decision to reduce Najib Razak's sentence has generated mixed reactions, with critics demanding explanations and pointing out potential disparities in Malaysia's justice system. As the country awaits further developments, the future political repercussions and public perceptions of this decision remain uncertain.
