11th September 2026 – (Kuala Lumpur) The legal affairs division of the Prime Minister’s Office said the Federal Territories Pardons Board has deferred the fresh application for a royal pardon by former prime minister Najib Razak to a future meeting, following a session held this morning. The statement added that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to the release of 65 prisoners, with non‑citizens to be repatriated to their countries of origin within six months of release. Sultan Ibrahim chairs the board, which includes the Attorney‑General, the Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and three other members.
Local media had reported earlier in the week that Najib’s petition was expected to be heard today, with some commentary suggesting house arrest might be considered. Najib, who has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since August 2022, saw his SRC International punishment reduced in January 2024 through a partial royal pardon that halved his 12‑year jail term to six years and cut his fine to RM50 million. His current term is due to end on 23rd August 2028.
In a separate 1MDB‑related case, the High Court in December 2025 sentenced Najib to 15 years’ imprisonment and imposed fines totalling RM11.4 billion on 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering involving an estimated RM2.2 billion. The court ordered that this term commence after he completes the SRC sentence; Najib has filed an appeal.
United Malays National Organisation president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi voiced disappointment at the deferment while saying the party respects the process and continues to hope for a favourable outcome. Pakatan Harapan, the coalition partner in the unity government, has separately underscored that those convicted of corruption or abuse of power should serve full court‑imposed sentences, arguing that decisions in high‑profile cases must uphold public confidence in Malaysia’s reform and anti‑corruption agenda.
Najib, 73, served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 2009 to 2018 and retains influence within Barisan Nasional, a key component of the unity government alongside Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan and Borneo‑based parties. His counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah has said Najib may seek a political return if pardoned and released.