# Azalina: Pardon power is part of the law

> Umno chief says royal pardon power stays within constitutional law.
- Title: Azalina: Pardon power is part of the law · Malay Mail
- Summary: Umno chief says royal pardon power stays within constitutional law. Azalina Othman Said clarifies that pardon authority under Article 42 of Malaysia's…
- Keywords: azalina othman said, umno, federal constitution, article 42, conditional royal pardon, najib razak, rule of law, pardons board, news, world, Azalina, Pardon
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/19/azalina-pardon-power-is-part-of-the-law-not-above-it/235749
- Author: Malay Mail
- Published: 2026-09-19T11:34:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: azalina othman said, umno, federal constitution, article 42, conditional royal pardon, najib razak, rule of law, pardons board, news, world
## Azalina Othman Said
Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasizes constitutional pardon power does not place individuals above law.

> The principle of the rule of law is not in dispute. No individual, government or institution is above the law.
## Constitutional Pardon Power
Article 42 of Federal Constitution provides pardon mechanism, not extrajudicial authority.

> The power of pardon was expressly provided for under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and was therefore not a power exercised outside the law.
## Najib's Conditional Pardon
Former prime minister Najib Razak received conditional royal pardon to serve remainder of sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

> His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028
## Pardon Process Clarification
Courts determine guilt and sentences; Article 42 provides constitutional mechanism for pardons, reprieves and remissions.

> The existence of the constitutional power of pardon does not mean that a court’s decision is disregarded
## Legal Process Requirements
All actions must follow constitutional process, not political interpretation or perception.

> The respective roles of the Pardons Board, the Attorney General and the relevant Minister must be understood in accordance with Article 42 and the prescribed constitutional process
## Najib's Legal History
Najib convicted in 2020 over RM42 million misappropriation from SRC International, began prison sentence in August 2022.

> Najib was convicted in 2020 over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International
## Pardon Conditions
Najib must pay RM50 million fine and comply with undisclosed conditions to remain under house arrest until August 23, 2028.

> His original sentence was halved to six years and his RM210 million fine reduced to RM50 million following a review by the Federal Territories Pardons Board in 2024
## Key takeaway

Azalina Othman Said clarifies that pardon authority under Article 42 of Malaysia's constitution does not place individuals above the law.