KUALA LUMPUR — DAP will convene a meeting of its Central Executive Committee (CEC) tomorrow to discuss and decide the party’s position and next course of action following the decision to allow former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party remained committed to justice and accountability over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, which he described as the biggest corruption scandal in the country’s history.
He said the scandal had tarnished Malaysia’s international reputation, associated the country with kleptocracy and eroded public and investor confidence in government institutions.
Najib’s conviction in cases linked to 1MDB was decided by the courts and its impact on the country could not be forgotten, Loke said, adding that the financial burden arising from the scandal continued to be borne by the government and people.
According to the Finance Ministry’s statement on Sept 13, the government’s total obligations related to 1MDB amounted to RM51.4 billion, comprising RM42.5 billion already paid and RM8.9 billion in outstanding debt.
“DAP has consistently demanded justice and accountability in the 1MDB scandal from the beginning. We have fought for this misappropriation to be investigated thoroughly and for those responsible to be brought through an independent and fair legal process.
“We also have not forgotten that public anger over the 1MDB scandal was among the main factors that led to a change of government in the 14th General Election in 2018.”
Loke said DAP’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power would remain a core principle of the party.
He said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh had conveyed a position consistent with DAP’s principles while carrying out her responsibilities as a member of the Pardons Board.
“As she has explained, the views were conveyed honestly and frankly in the national interest,” he said.
At the same time, Loke said DAP respected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
He said the party would continue to uphold the principles of constitutional monarchy and constitutional supremacy, while defending the rule of law and its fight against corruption.
“In this regard, a meeting of the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) will be held tomorrow to discuss and decide the party’s position and follow-up action.”
The meeting comes after the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories decided today to grant 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 development has also brought renewed attention to previous statements by DAP leaders on the party’s position should Najib be released without serving what they regarded as an appropriate punishment.
DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming had previously said he was prepared to resign from the Cabinet if Najib were released without serving a punishment he considered commensurate with his conviction.
However, Loke’s statement did not announce any decision for DAP to withdraw from the government. Instead, he said the party’s CEC would deliberate on its position and decide on subsequent action.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, said the conditional pardon did not weaken the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power.
He also 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, Putrajaya, today.
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