Anwar: Najib house arrest does not weaken govt’s fight against corruption

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks to reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Putrajaya on September 18, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 3:46 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 18 — The conditional pardon allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest does not weaken the government’s resolve to fight corruption and power abuse, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said all corruption cases, including ongoing proceedings involving Najib, must continue in accordance with the law.

“As Prime Minister, my duty is to provide advice on the legal implications, national stability and the principle of the rule of law, while also taking into account the Attorney General’s detailed written advice.

“But ultimately, the Constitution provides for the powers of His Majesty the King, and I hope we can accept the decision,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Precinct 10 here today.

Anwar said Malaysia must remain firm in tackling corruption, with public support needed to ensure misconduct or abuse of power for personal enrichment is not taken lightly.

“The same applies to other corruption cases. This country must be saved, and we need firmness with the support of all Malaysians to ensure the law is no longer taken lightly when there is misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or individual. This is our stance,” he said.

Asked whether clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) were needed for house arrest, Anwar said the matter fell under the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine.

The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department said the decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara today. — Bernama