Malaysia | Debate Renewed Over Najib’s Clemency Bid in 1MDB Case | CUAC

Civil Union – Follow-up Malaysia’s ruling coalition has reaffirmed that individuals convicted of corruption, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the sentences imposed by the courts, amid reports that former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has submitted a new petition for a royal pardon. The clemency request is linked to legal cases stemming from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, over which Najib was convicted in corruption-related cases and is currently serving a prison sentence. The government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that upholding the rule of law requires allowing judicial proceedings to continue independently, without interference or preconceived considerations. The Pardons Board, chaired by Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, is expected to meet, with Najib’s petition potentially among the cases to be considered. However, it remains unclear when a decision will be issued. In 2024, Malaysian authorities reduced Najib’s original 12-year prison sentence by half, while the courts later rejected his request to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. In December 2025, he was also sentenced to an additional 15 years in prison in the largest trial linked to the 1MDB scandal. Source: Reuters