KUALA LUMPUR — Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he hopes the “best decision” will be reached on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest when the Pardons Board meets on Friday.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the authority to decide on the matter rests solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, local media reported.
He expressed confidence that the King’s discretion and wisdom would determine the outcome of the application.
“We hope for the best for this meeting and because the power is the absolute right of the Chief Judge, His Majesty the King.
“I am confident that His Majesty’s discretion and wisdom will determine the main decision and it is His Majesty’s absolute right to announce,” he said.
Zahid was speaking to reporters after launching the book 13 Propaganda Perang Sun Tzu in conjunction with the Umno General Assembly at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL) on Thursday.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board is scheduled to meet on Friday, with one of the key matters expected to be discussed being Najib’s request to serve the remainder of his sentence at home.
The former Pekan MP’s house arrest bid has been subject to a lengthy legal process following claims over the existence of an alleged royal addendum order that would allow him to complete his sentence at his residence.
Scoop reported yesterday that Najib is believed to be among 155 cases to be considered by the Federal Territories Pardons Board when it convenes on September 11, just days before Malaysia Day.
The large number of cases on the agenda means Najib’s application will be considered alongside more than 100 other inmates seeking clemency. However, his case is expected to attract significant attention due to his political standing and the possibility of an earlier release.
Yesterday, a source familiar with the matter told Scoop that Najib’s name is included in the list of cases to be presented to the board, fuelling speculation that he could receive clemency in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
“Najib’s name is on the list of 155 cases being submitted to the Pardons Board. There is hope that, in conjunction with Malaysia Day, he will be granted clemency and allowed to return home. Many believe this would mark a symbolic moment of reconciliation for the country.”
An earlier report by The Straits Times said Najib’s bid for early release had been formally included in the Pardons Board’s agenda. The meeting will be chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, together with members of the board.
Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence at Kajang Prison after being convicted in 2020 for misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
His original 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine were reduced by the Pardons Board in 2024, with his prison term halved and the fine lowered to RM50 million.
However, Najib continues to face other legal proceedings linked to the wider 1MDB scandal, including charges involving abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving billions of ringgit.
His main 1MDB trial has added further uncertainty to his legal position. In December last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court convicted him on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving more than RM2 billion in 1MDB funds, resulting in another lengthy prison term and a multi-billion-ringgit fine. His legal team has appealed the decision.
Najib is also facing bankruptcy proceedings initiated by the Inland Revenue Board over unpaid tax arrears amounting to RM1.73 billion, although the Court of Appeal granted a temporary stay on the proceedings on September 4, 2026.
He is also involved in several civil lawsuits filed by 1MDB and related entities seeking to recover funds allegedly lost through the scandal.
House arrest bid and addendum order controversy
Najib’s previous attempt to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest centred on an alleged royal addendum order issued by former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Najib claimed that, alongside the Pardons Board’s decision to reduce his sentence in 2024, an additional order had been issued allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home instead of prison.
However, the High Court rejected the application in 2025, ruling that any exercise of clemency powers must follow the constitutional process involving the Pardons Board.
Najib later withdrew his appeal in April 2026, leaving a fresh clemency application as his main avenue for seeking relief.
Umno continues push for Najib’s release
Najib’s possible release has remained a major issue within Umno, where he continues to hold influence despite his imprisonment.
The party has continued to call for either a pardon or house arrest arrangement for its former president, with the matter expected to feature prominently during Umno’s Annual General Assembly from September 9 to 12.
The push has also created tensions within the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as Pakatan Harapan leaders have maintained that those convicted of major corruption offences must face the consequences of their actions to protect public confidence and uphold the rule of law.
The Pardons Board’s decision on September 11 could determine whether Najib receives further leniency, potentially allowing him to return home earlier, or remains behind bars as his other legal battles continue. — September 10, 2026