PUTRAJAYA, Sept 18 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the conditional pardon allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest does not weaken the government’s resolve in combating corruption and abuse of power.
Anwar said all graft cases, including those involving Najib that remain before the courts, must proceed according to due process and the rule of law.
“As Prime Minister, my duty is to advise on the legal implications, national stability, the principle of the rule of law, and also in accordance with the advice and guidance written completely and at length by the Attorney General,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Precinct 10 here today.
“But ultimately, the Constitution vests absolute power in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I hope we accept (the decision) well.”
He said firmness in tackling corruption must continue with the support of the people, so that any misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or individual is not taken lightly.
“Likewise with other cases involving corruption, this country must be saved, and we need firmness with the support of all the people in ensuring that the law of this country is no longer taken lightly — any misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or any citizen. This is our stand,” he said.
Asked whether a clear standard operating procedure was needed for the implementation of house arrest, Anwar said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted a conditional pardon to Najib, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
The order is subject to Najib paying a RM50 million fine.
The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department said the decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, held at Istana Negara today.
Najib, 73, has been serving his prison sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction in the SRC International case. A separate case linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) remains before the courts.
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