Istana Negara: The King Has the Authority to Grant Amnesty or Sentence Reductions to Prisoners

Datuk Seri Najib Razak is currently serving a six-year jail sentence after being convicted of charges including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering related to SRC International Sdn Bhd, which was once a part of 1MDB.

Previously, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) stated that if Najib wanted to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest, he would need to submit a new request to the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as reported by the New Straits Times.

The King can grant pardons in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya

The National Palace has issued a statement saying that any prisoner looking for clemency or a sentence reduction must submit an application to the Pardons Board for review.

The statement also mentioned that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has the power to grant amnesty or reduce sentences, and any prisoner can apply to the Pardons Board for the King to consider.

According to Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, the King has the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, and respite for crimes committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.

“Everyone must respect the Constitution and the laws established.”

Najib’s house arrest was granted by the previous King

The topic of prisoner pardons has been a hot debate, especially with Najib Razak’s case, which brought up the issue of the Titah Addendum allowing him to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest.

New Straits Times also mentioned that the original sentence was 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine, but a partial royal pardon was granted by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The AGC stated that the Pardons Board, led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would follow legal procedures when making a decision, and not use any other channels.

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Also read: UPDATE: KL High Court Orders Najib to Enter Defence for 4 Abuse of Power Charges Involving RM2.3 Billion