KUALA LUMPUR: Najib Razak’s lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, has clarified that the imprisoned former prime minister has not issued any instructions to submit a fresh application for a royal pardon.
Shafee stated that Najib’s next course of action would depend on the Court of Appeal’s decision on Monday regarding his judicial review application. The review pertains to a purported addendum to the Feb 2 Pardons Board decision, which commuted his sentence in the SRC International case.
“If a fresh pardon application is submitted, it may jeopardize Najib’s current application for the remainder of his jail term to be served under house arrest,” Shafee said. He added that should the leave for review be denied on Jan 6, the defense team is prepared to escalate the matter to the Federal Court.
Najib’s judicial review seeks a court order compelling the government to execute the supplementary order—if it exists—by placing him under house arrest.
The possibility of a fresh pardon application arose following a statement from the Attorney-General’s Chambers last week, emphasizing that all pardon applications in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan must be submitted to the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
On Friday, Istana Negara reiterated that any proposal for a pardon or sentence reduction must go through the Pardons Board for deliberation. The palace also reaffirmed that the power to grant pardons lies solely within the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This development highlights the ongoing legal and constitutional complexities surrounding Najib Razak’s case as the nation closely watches the unfolding events.
Stay safe and informed. For more breaking news and updates, visit Ottran GK News today.