Ministers mum on Najib's pardon bid, media urged not to jump the gun

 

Ministers are keeping mum over the Pardons Board’s decision on former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s bid for freedom.

Both Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil in their respective post-cabinet press conferences today said the cabinet has discussed Najib’s pardon bid.

However, they concurred it was not their prerogative to announce the decision on behalf of the board.

Speaking to press members, Fahmi urged local and international media practitioners “not to jump the gun and wait for the official statement from the Pardons Board”.

“Specific matters related to the Pardons Board will be coordinated by the board, be it a media statement or anything like that,” he said during the presser held at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya today.

Channel News Asia today published a report citing government sources as confirming that Najib’s 12-year jail sentence was reduced to six years, placing his release date around August 2028.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil

However, the report noted that Najib may be released earlier with parole for good behaviour in August 2026 after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

Yesterday, Fahmi warned the media against reporting based on sources regarding this matter.

‘I’m not the source’

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, today denied being the source for CNA’s report.

“Unfortunately, I met with reporters from CNA, but I’m not the source who gave the information,” he said in jest.

“Let’s follow the due process. If we don’t, there will be a lot of reactions. We need to show our professionalism.

“You and I have to wait.”

Meanwhile, Saifuddin cited the Federal Constitution and pointed out that the issue falls within the jurisdiction of the Pardons Board.

“So the Pardons Board must answer. I can’t speak on behalf of the board,” he said at a press conference at the Home Ministry today.

Najib was locked up in Kajang Prison after being convicted in the RM42 million SRC International corruption case.

The 12-year imprisonment was meted out by the High Court - upheld by the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

The former Pekan MP is still on trial for other crimes, including four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.27 billion from 1MDB.