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Just over four years after going to jail, former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak is finally being given a chance to go home – a mansion in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the Malaysian King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, has granted Najib permission to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. This is provided he pays a RM50 million (S$15.5 million) fine stemming from his conviction over the 1MDB scandal.
This fine had already been reduced from RM210 million, and his jail term cut from 12 years to six, by the previous King in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, the timing of the decision has sparked intense speculation. The board first convened at short notice on Sept 11, right in the middle of the UMNO annual general assembly.
The six-member body deferred its decision on former UMNO chief Najib’s application then. Given that guidelines prescribe a minimum of two meetings a year, many assumed the matter would only be considered next year.
Yet after a brief meeting at the National Palace on Sept 18, Najib was granted a chance at an early release from Kajang Prison. He is also appealing a separate 15-year sentence tied to 1MDB.
So, what changed in that one week? It is anyone’s guess.
What we do know is that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with the King between the time the Pardons Board was first summoned and the Sept 11 board meeting. Anwar then left for Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit and returned on Sept 14.
Meanwhile, we celebrated Malaysia Day on Sept 16. On the same day, the UMNO-led state Cabinet, or executive council, in Negeri Sembilan declared it no longer recognised Muhriz Munawir as the state’s ruler.
This triggered a showdown in the state, with Muhriz subsequently dismissing the executive council while the Anwar administration continues to back the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
The standoff is escalating into a constitutional crisis less than a month before all nine royal families convene at the Conference of Rulers in Melaka.
But as mentioned, there is no clear answer, stated or otherwise, as to what led to the Najib decision being made in just a week.
Civil society leaders and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) have called for the Pardons Board minutes to be declassified. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said he would resign as Transport Minister in protest against the house arrest decision.
What is certain, however, is that Najib’s early release will have political ramifications. But just who will gain and who will lose? With a general election due in the next 15 months, the former prime minister’s fate will certainly be a major talking point for the campaign.
Stick with The Straits Times as we navigate the political ins and outs until Malaysia votes. But aside from politics, let us know how else we can help you understand Singapore’s closest neighbour better after you check out our top coverage from the past week.
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