DAP to decide position on Najib house arrest at CEC meeting

THE Democratic Action Party (DAP) will convene its Central Executive Committee (CEC) tomorrow to decide the party’s position and next steps over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house-arrest arrangement following his conditional pardon.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party continued to uphold accountability over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal while respecting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional powers in matters of clemency.

He said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh had conveyed her position honestly and frankly in the national interest while carrying out her responsibilities as a member of the Pardons Board.

“DAP has consistently demanded justice and accountability in the 1MDB scandal from the outset. We have fought for the scandal to be thoroughly investigated and for those responsible to be brought through an independent and fair legal process,” he said in a statement.

Loke said the financial consequences of the scandal continued to be borne by the government and the people, with total 1MDB obligations amounting to RM51.4 billion, comprising RM42.5 billion already paid by the government and RM8.9 billion in outstanding debt.

He said Najib’s conviction in cases involving 1MDB was a matter decided by the courts and its impact on the country should not be forgotten.

Loke also said public anger over the scandal had contributed to the change of government at the 14th General Election in 2018, while the scandal had damaged Malaysia’s image and eroded public and investor confidence in its institutions.

At the same time, he stressed that DAP respected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s powers of clemency under the Federal Constitution.

“DAP always upholds the principles of a constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of the Constitution, while also defending the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” he said.

The statement followed the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had consented to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to a RM50 million fine.

The specific conditions attached to the house-arrest arrangement have not been disclosed.

Loke said the CEC would meet tomorrow to discuss and determine DAP’s position and subsequent action on the matter. - September 18, 2026