Court in Malaysia rejects former Prime Minister Najib's plea to lift house arrest order
Royal Pardon Addendum for Najib Razak in 1MDB Scandal Remains Legally Contested
A royal pardon addendum for former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which could potentially alter his sentence in the 1MDB scandal, is currently the subject of ongoing legal disputes.
Najib claims that an addendum was issued last year as part of a royal pardon by then-King Al-Sultan Abdullah, which halved his jail sentence. The addendum, if authentic, would allow Najib to serve his sentence at home. However, despite recognition of the document’s existence, the Malaysian Federal Court has not conclusively verified its legitimacy.
The Federal Court has remitted the case back to the High Court for the hearing of the substantive judicial review proceedings before a new judge. The remittance does not confirm or deny the existence or authenticity of the addendum order.
The political and constitutional implications are significant, as the case tests the discretionary powers of Malaysia’s monarch and has stirred public and political controversy around justice and royal prerogative. Despite various authorities in Malaysia denying the existence of the royal document, some government authorities, including members of the pardons board, have confirmed its issuance.
The outcome of the substantive judicial review proceedings could potentially impact the ongoing trial over the 1MDB scandal. Najib is still awaiting a verdict in the biggest trial he faces over the 1MDB scandal, with the court expected to hear closing arguments in October. Some 1MDB-linked charges against Najib have been dropped.
It's important to note that Najib has denied all of the charges brought against him in the 1MDB scandal. Despite being imprisoned since August 2022 for his role in the scandal, the remittance of the case back to the High Court does not necessarily mean that the addendum order will be executed if found to be authentic.
The case has stirred intrigue in Malaysia, with multiple government authorities denying knowledge of the royal document. The key details include the addendum being reportedly an extension or modification of a royal pardon granted to Najib Razak which reduced his jail term and allowed for house arrest as part of the conditions.
In summary, while Najib and some authorities affirm the existence of a royal pardon addendum that alters his sentence, the Malaysian judiciary has yet to finalize its authenticity, keeping the status of this royal pardon addendum both real in documentation but uncertain in legal confirmation.
[1] The Star Online. (2022, August 26). Federal Court remits royal pardon case to High Court. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/26/federal-court-remits-royal-pardon-case-to-high-court
[2] Malay Mail. (2022, August 26). Federal Court remits Najib's royal pardon case back to High Court. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/08/26/federal-court-remits-najibs-royal-pardon-case-back-to-high-court/1992888
[3] Free Malaysia Today. (2022, August 26). Federal Court remits Najib's royal pardon case to High Court. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/08/26/federal-court-remits-najibs-royal-pardon-case-to-high-court/
[4] The Edge Markets. (2022, August 26). Federal Court remits Najib's royal pardon case to High Court. https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/federal-court-remits-najibs-royal-pardon-case-high-court
[5] New Straits Times. (2022, August 26). Federal Court remits Najib's royal pardon case back to High Court. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/759281/federal-court-remits-najibs-royal-pardon-case-back-high-court
- Despite ongoing legal disagreements, the royal pardon addendum for former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which has the potential to alter his sentence in the 1MDB scandal, remains under question.
- Amidst political and constitutional debates, the legitimacy of the war-and-conflicts-related royal pardon addendum for Najib Razak, initially acknowledged by some authorities, is still pending verification by the Malaysian Federal Court.
