KUALA LUMPUR — The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak does not weaken the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He stressed that all corruption cases, including ongoing proceedings involving Najib, must continue in accordance with the law.
“As Prime Minister, my duty is to provide advice on the legal implications, national stability and the principle of the rule of law, while also taking into account the Attorney General’s detailed written advice.
“But ultimately, the Constitution provides for the powers of His Majesty the King, and I hope we can accept the decision,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Precinct 10 here.
Anwar said Malaysia must remain resolute in tackling corruption, while calling for public support to ensure misconduct and abuse of power for personal gain are not taken lightly.
“The same applies to other corruption cases. This country must be saved, and we need firmness with the support of all Malaysians to ensure the law is no longer taken lightly when there is misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or individual. This is our stance,” he said.
Asked whether clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) were needed for house arrest, Anwar said the matter came under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry.
Earlier today, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of 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 at Istana Negara today. – September 18, 2026