Story perspectives

Sultan Ibrahim Postpones Najib Razak’s Pardon Request

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 2:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

King Sultan Ibrahim postponed former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon request.
The 63rd Federal Territories Pardons Board met on 11 September 2026 to decide.
He also approved clemency for 65 inmates and ordered non-citizens’ deportation within six months.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed disappointment but affirmed loyalty to the monarch.

History

Historical Context

After the Federal Court overturned Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy conviction in September 2004, he left prison and later received a full royal pardon from King Muhammad V following the 2018 election, illustrating the monarch’s constitutional power to grant clemency. The board’s 2024 decision to halve former prime minister Najib Razak’s 12-year term renewed debate over executive-royal pardon limits.

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Story summary

King Sultan Ibrahim postponed former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon request.
The 63rd Federal Territories Pardons Board met on 11 September 2026 to decide.
He also approved clemency for 65 inmates and ordered non-citizens’ deportation within six months.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed disappointment but affirmed loyalty to the monarch.

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