THE fate of former prime minister Najib Razak could come before the Federal Territories Pardons Board as early as Thursday, with the board reportedly set to consider whether he should be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
The Straits Times, citing government sources, reported that the board is scheduled to meet on Sept 11 and will be chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
One official was quoted as saying the question of house arrest was included in the meeting minutes.
Najib, 73, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after his original 12-year term for the SRC International case was halved by the Pardons Board in 2024. His fine was also reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.
He has maintained that the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had issued an additional decree allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
That alleged addendum has been at the centre of a legal battle.
The High Court ruled last year that the order could not be enforced, finding that it had not been considered by the Pardons Board as required under the constitutional process.
There is also no specific provision under Malaysian law for house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment.
A fresh decision by the Pardons Board could therefore provide a different legal basis for any further clemency granted to Najib.
The issue comes at a politically sensitive time for Umno, which is holding its annual general assembly and preparing for the next general election, which must be held by 2027.
Barisan Nasional has had a better run at the state level in recent months, retaining Johor in July before securing a two-thirds majority in Negeri Sembilan in August.
Pakatan Harapan, meanwhile, has had a more difficult run at the polls.
Najib’s possible release was also reportedly raised at a PH leadership meeting on Monday, which was initially convened to discuss preparations for the Melaka state election.
According to The Straits Times, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh briefed the meeting on the matter.
PH later reiterated its position that those convicted of corruption and abuse of power should serve the sentences handed down by the courts.
The coalition said it remained committed to institutional reform and good governance and would not compromise on corruption, particularly in high-profile cases.
Sources familiar with the meeting were quoted as saying Yeoh and the attorney general would oppose further clemency for Najib.
The final decision, however, lies with the King within the constitutional framework governing the Pardons Board.
The Federal Territories board covers Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Besides the King, it comprises the Attorney General, the federal territories minister and three other members appointed by the King on the advice of the government.
Najib’s case has remained politically charged since his conviction.
The SRC International case was linked to the wider 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, which became a major issue in the 2018 general election that ended Barisan Nasional’s six-decade hold on federal power.
Najib is also facing other charges linked to 1MDB and is appealing a separate conviction last year involving 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in that case.
Despite being behind bars, Najib continues to command support among sections of Umno and the wider Malay electorate.
His standing within the party is particularly relevant now as Umno reassesses its position ahead of the next general election.
The party has already moved to end its four-year electoral arrangement with PH and is expected to reaffirm closer cooperation with PAS-led Perikatan Nasional.
Any decision on Najib’s house arrest could therefore add another layer to an already unsettled political landscape, with both the unity government and opposition blocs positioning themselves for the next national polls. – September 9, 2026
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