Malaysia - February 2024

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak received a partial royal pardon from a pardons board headed by Malaysia’s outgoing monarch for his role in the 1MDB corruption scandal on 2 February. Razak’s jail sentence was reduced from 12 to six years and his fine from MYR 210 million (USD 44.5 million) fine to MYR 50 million, or slightly more than the MYR 42 million he was found to have personally received for his role in the 1MDB scheme. The pardons board did not provide an explanation for its decision, which was met with criticism by lawmakers and anti-corruption campaigners. The reduced sentence means Razak will be eligible for parole before Malaysia’s next general elections in early 2028. Razak is reportedly unhappy to have not received a full pardon and has appealed again to the pardons board.

Sources: Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, Reuters, Reuters (2)