Power to pardon Najib lies with Agong, says Azalina

 The Umno information chief insists that 'it has nothing to do with politics' amid claims that a Barisan Nasional victory in the Johor polls could improve Najib Razak's prospects.

Former prime minister Najib Razak is serving a six-year prison sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said has sought to distance the Johor state election from former prime minister Najib Razak’s bid for a royal pardon, insisting that any decision on his release rests solely with the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Her remarks came a day after Najib’s son, Nazifuddin, said a strong Barisan Nasional showing in the Johor state election would signal that voters still supported Najib and wanted him to receive a royal pardon.

“In my view, the power to free someone from prison rests with the pardons board; that is within the Agong’s (constitutional) powers. It has nothing to do with politics,” the law and institutional reform minister told a press conference at the Asian International Arbitration Centre here today.

Azalina’s comments also came after Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim said BN had been drawn into the Johor election by parties seeking power to secure Najib’s release.

Najib, 72, is serving a six-year prison sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case. His original 12-year jail term was halved by the FTPB in February 2024, and his RM210 million fine was reduced to RM50 million.

He was separately convicted of abuse of power and money laundering involving 1MDB funds and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, a conviction he is appealing. - FMT