Malaysia's king grants clemency again

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak received a second royal pardon, allowing him to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest instead of in prison.

Najib embezzled from state fund

Najib was convicted of stealing millions from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a state investment fund. He has now received multiple pardons despite the scale of his crimes.

Reformers feel betrayed by Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim came to power promising to clean up corruption. The clemency has enraged reformers who backed him, including the transport minister who resigned in protest.

King contradicted his own stance

In February, the king declared that no one is above the law. The clemency for Najib directly contradicts that statement.

“"no one is above the law."”

Anwar denies responsibility

Anwar claims the pardons board and the king made the decision, not him. But critics still blame the prime minister for not stopping it.

Najib's party shields him

Najib's United Malay National Organisation is a key part of the current government coalition. His supporters call him "Bossku" and claim he's a victim of a witch hunt.

“"Bossku," or their "boss,"”

The scale of Najib's theft

Police found 273 million dollars in goods at his properties, including bags of cash and jewelry. Another 681 million dollars appeared in his personal bank account.

Multiple convictions stacked up

In 2020, Najib got 12 years plus a 51.5 million dollar fine. In 2025, he received 15 years and 3.3 billion in fines. A civil case found him liable for 1.3 billion more.

Sentences gradually eroded

In early 2024, the pardons board halved his first 12-year sentence and cut the fine to 12.3 million. Now a second pardon lets him serve time under house arrest.

Supporters raising money for fines

Najib's backers are now collecting donations to pay his outstanding fine from the first conviction. His wife says donations are coming from foreign friends.

One appeal could send him back

Najib could return to prison if he loses his appeal against the 2025 conviction. But the pattern of clemency suggests he has a clear path to further leniency.

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“"We define the One China policy. We define it. Not them."”

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Questions about Duterte's fitness

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