Groups warn that Najib's conditional pardon could erode anti-corruption credibility

Transparency International Malaysia acknowledged the constitutional right to grant clemency but warned that Najib Razak’s conditional pardon could reinforce the view that elite individuals are treated differently from ordinary offenders. Raymon Ram noted that such high-profile cases might undermine the deterrent effect of the country’s anti-corruption framework and could influence future perceptions measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index.

Election watchdog Bersih described the move as sending a “deeply confusing” signal, given the government’s stated commitment to combat corruption. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, approved the conditional pardon, permitting Najib to remain under house arrest until August 2028 while he fulfills a RM50 million fine and other undisclosed conditions. The Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division said failure to comply would revoke the pardon. Najib was originally sentenced for abuse of power and misappropriating RM42 million in the SRC International case, with his sentence previously reduced by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.