Malaysia’s previous king urges all to end ‘unnecessary’ debates on his royal order over Najib’s house arrest bid

A Royal Call for Restraint: Sultan Abdullah Speaks on Najib’s Case

In a significant intervention, Malaysia’s former king, Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged all parties involved in the ongoing controversy surrounding former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s request to serve his prison sentence under house arrest to cease further discussions. The Sultan, who rules the state of Pahang, emphasized that the matter is currently before the courts and called for respect for the legal process. Addressing a religious gathering at the state mosque in Pahang on February 27, Sultan Abdullah stated, “Regarding the addendum decree, this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the responsible and trustworthy parties. Therefore, all parties must respect the processes and laws that have been established. Avoid creating confusion or unnecessary debates.” This was the first public comment from the Pahang ruler on the issue, underscoring the sensitivity and gravity of the situation.

Najib’s Judicial Review and the Royal Decree

The controversy revolves around an application filed by Najib Razak in April last year, seeking a judicial review of a royal decree. Najib claimed that Sultan Abdullah had issued an order allowing him to serve the remainder of his six-year jail sentence under house arrest during a meeting of the Pardons Board on January 29, 2024. This meeting took place just a day before Sultan Abdullah concluded his term as Malaysia’s monarch. The decision to grant Najib a reduced sentence—from 12 to six years—and a fine reduction from RM210 million (US$47.1 million) to RM50 million was announced by the Pardons Board on February 2, 2023. The news of Najib’s partial royal pardon was first reported by CNA on January 31, 2023, citing senior government officials as sources.

Government’s Challenge and the Court of Appeal Ruling

The Malaysian government recently filed a motion seeking permission to appeal to the Federal Court against a Court of Appeal ruling that granted Najib leave to initiate judicial review proceedings to serve his sentence at home. The ruling was made on January 6, 2025, after Najib’s legal team presented a letter purportedly from the Pahang state palace, confirming the existence of a royal decree issued by Sultan Abdullah. This development has intensified the political and legal battle surrounding Najib’s imprisonment, with the government attempting to overturn the decision that could potentially allow Najib to avoid serving his sentence in prison.

Political Fallout and Divisions in the Unity Government

The royal addendum saga has sparked significant tension within Malaysia’s political landscape, particularly within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. The government is a coalition of four parties, including the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which Najib previously led. UMNO leaders aligned with Najib have called for the current king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, to grant Najib a full pardon, despite the former prime minister still facing other corruption charges related to the 1MDB scandal in Malaysian courts. However, this move has drawn criticism from other coalition partners, who argue that Najib’s conviction and sentencing were the result of a fair and just legal process.

The Role of the Attorney-General and Media

In an effort to contain the fallout from the controversy, the Attorney-General’s Chambers sought a gag order in January to ban public discussion of Najib’s judicial review claim. This move reflects the government’s attempt to limit the political and social impact of the case, which has already caused significant divisions within the ruling coalition. Media outlets, including Malaysiakini and CNA, have played a crucial role in breaking major developments in the case, keeping the public informed and contributing to the ongoing debate.

Conclusion: Respect for the Legal Process

Sultan Abdullah’s call for restraint and respect for the legal process underscores the need for all parties to allow the judiciary to handle the matter without external interference or public spectacle. The case has far-reaching implications for Malaysia’s political stability, the rule of law, and the unity of the ruling coalition. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation awaits a resolution that upholds justice and maintains public confidence in the country’s legal and political institutions.