Pakatan backs PM’s stance on Najib pardon, says no one is above the law

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council says it is determined to continue efforts to eradicate corruption, promote the reform agenda, and cleanse the country of elements of corruption and abuse, following the issuance of a conditional royal pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 8:45 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) today backed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance and the advice given by the Attorney General and Federal Territories Minister to the Pardons Board over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conditional royal pardon.

In a statement issued after the Pardons Board meeting earlier today, the PH Presidential Council said it firmly stood with the Prime Minister’s position and the advice given to the board.

“The Presidential Council also emphasised that no one is above the law,” it said.

PH said anyone found guilty must face punishment in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.

Anwar earlier said the conditional royal pardon did not weaken the government’s resolve to fight corruption.

The council also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts to eradicate corruption, advance the Reform agenda and rid the country of corruption and abuse.

“The Presidential Council is determined to continue efforts to eradicate corruption, promote the Reform agenda, and cleanse the country of elements of corruption and abuse,” it said.

Najib is serving a six-year prison sentence for his conviction over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former 1MDB subsidiary, after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in 2022.

His original 12-year sentence and RM210 million fine were halved to six years and RM50 million respectively after the Pardons Board reviewed his case in 2024.

Today, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine and compliance with the conditions imposed that have not been made public so far.

Umno subsequently launched a donation drive to help Najib settle the fine, while PAS welcomed the decision and MCA expressed gratitude to the King.

DAP said its central executive committee would meet tomorrow to determine its formal position.