KUALA LUMPUR, February 4 – In the wake of the Pardons Board’s decision to reduce former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s sentence, DAP’s secretary-general, Anthony Loke, has urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the decision is final and not subject to legal challenge. While acknowledging potential dissatisfaction among Pakatan Harapan supporters, Loke clarified that the reduction in Najib’s sentence does not absolve him of his conviction, asserting that the Pardons Board holds exclusive authority over the matter, and the Cabinet has no involvement in the decision-making process. Loke emphasized that Najib remains guilty, and the reason behind the sentence reduction is known only to the Pardons Board.
Despite the possible impact on DAP’s relationship with Umno-Barisan Nasional within the coalition government, Loke expressed uncertainty about how the decision might influence the coalition’s prospects in the upcoming general election. The Pardons Board’s recent announcement revealed a halving of Najib’s prison sentence and a reduction in his fine related to the misappropriation of funds from a former 1MDB unit, potentially leading to his release by 2028, with parole eligibility for good behavior after serving two-thirds of the six-year term. The decision-making process involves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the attorney general, the Federal Territories minister, and other members appointed by the Agong as mandated by the Federal Constitution.
