KUALA LUMPUR: The Pardons Board is likely to announce its decision today on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application for a pardon regarding his SRC International case.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this after performing the Friday prayers at the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad today.
He also confirmed that the Pardons Board has come to a decision to the application by the incarcerated former prime minister.
"I believe so," he told reporters when asked if the Pardons Board will announce the decision on Najib's application today.
Anwar, however refused to elaborate and asked the people to wait on the board's announcement.
He was also asked if the decision of the Pardons Board on Najib's application has implications toward the unity government.
"That (the decision on Najib's application) is under the prerogative of the Pardons Board and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong." Anwar said.
Pressed again if the decision by the Pardons Board will affect the image of the unity government, he maintained the same answer and said: "that is the decision of the Pardons Board.. Yang di-Pertuan Agong."
When speaking to reporters at a separate event earlier, Anwar confirmed that the Pardons Board has come to a decision in relation to Najib's case.
"Sudah ada kepastian (It has been determined). Just wait for the announcement by the Pardons Board," he said after having lunch with the people at the food court in Pertama Complex here today.
On Tuesday, the country was gripped by rumours of Najib being granted a royal pardon.
Speculation started with a Malay daily running a sources story that the Pardons Board, which met on Monday, had discussed the matter and decided on granting the pardon.
However, the same daily later retracted the report and apologised to its readers.
This did not end the rumour mill from going into overdrive, with talk later emerging that instead of a full pardon, the 70-year-old who was sentenced to a 12-year prison sentence and RM210 million fine, had his jail term remitted to six years.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the Pardons Board is expected to release an official statement this week regarding Najib's application for a royal pardon following his conviction on corruption charges and a 12-year prison sentence.
Dr Zaliha sits on the Federal Territory Pardons Board for the Federal Territories.
Najib is currently serving a 12-year jail term after he was found guilty of one count of abuse of power with regard to Retirement Fund Inc's (KWAP) RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd, as well as three counts each of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power involving RM42 million of SRC funds.
He was also fined RM210 million.
SRC is a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
In August 2022, the Federal Court upheld the conviction.
The 70-year-old former Pekan member of Parliament is still facing four charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
In Malaysia, each state has its own Pardons Board chaired by the respective sultan or Yang di-Pertua (or governor).
The Pardons Board for each state is made up of five members, namely the attorney-general, the chief minister or menteri besar, and three other members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the state ruler.