Najib reportedly seeking pardon for 1MDB corruption scandal

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak's application for clemency will be on the agenda when the country's Federal Territories Pardons Board meets on Friday, Sep. 11, according to local reports.

The 74-year-old has been in prison serving his sentence since Aug. 23, 2022 for his role in the 1MDB scandal.

Citing "sources familiar with the matter", Free Malaysia Today reported that it was unclear whether the meeting will result in a decision or whether the matter will merely be discussed.

One potential outcome could be that Najib will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

According to Bloomberg, the pardon board is headed by Malaysia's king and also includes cabinet minister Hannah Yeoh.

Rising tension between UMNO and Pakatan Harapan

Any intervention from the pardons board threatens to widen the division between UMNO — the party Najib once led — and prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan, reports Bloomberg

Both are currently in an uneasy alliance as part of Anwar's government.

In a statement on Sep. 8, Pakatan Harapan, without naming Najib, insisted that those convicted in high-profile corruption or abuse of power cases should serve their full sentences.

Sentences previously reduced

Najib's initial 12-year prison sentence and RM210 million (S$65.2 million) fine were reduced in early 2024 to six years and RM50 million (S$15.5 million).

He was also allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, though this was rejected by a court in December 2025.

The former prime minister will serve a further 15 years in prison after his current sentence for abuse of power and money laundering in relation to 1MDB.

The court also imposed an RM11.4 billion (S$3.54 billion) fine on him.

If pardoned and allowed out of jail, Najib has indicated that he may return to politics, reported Bloomberg.