On Feb 2, the Pardons Board that was led by the erstwhile king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, said it had agreed to reduce Najib's 12-year sentence for corruption to six years.
The board, which met on Jan 29, also slashed Najib's court-ordered fine of RM210 million (S$59.5 million) to just RM50 million.
The decision was made "after weighing opinion and advice", it said in a five-sentence statement.
Malaysia's international reputation will be damaged, said Asian Studies professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania. "People will think there is a culture of impunity that once you reach a certain political status, you are more or less protected by the system."
The move would also cause urban supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar's Pakatan Harapan (PH) to question his reform agenda, he added.
This sentiment was echoed by Associate Professor Azmil Tayeb from the School of Social Sciences at University Sains Malaysia. "It will affect Anwar's reformist credentials, especially after campaigning for many years against Najib and his IMDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) scandal," he told The Straits Times.
In his first public comments on the controversial decision, Mr Anwar said: "The King, as a constitutional monarch, consults the Attorney-General, the Prime Minister and many." He added: "I respect the decision of the then King."
Denne historien er fra February 03, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 03, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.