Will Najib Razak Get the Royal Green Light?
Mahathir Mohamad, that seasoned Malaysian political wizard who swapped out Umno last year, is shouting from the rooftops that the disgraced former prime Najib Razak might soon get a royal pardon. It’s a big deal because Najib’s 12‑year sentence for a tangled web of corruption is still on the table.
Why Mahathir’s Alarm Rings
Back in 2018, Mahathir’s historic election win sent Umno into freefall—long enough for the black‑hat scandals at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) to finally catch up with Najib. When the country’s top court rejected Najib’s last-ditch appeal on Tuesday, mahantriai clued us in: “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He’s worried the slow‑poking of trials not only backs its own case, but keeps other corruption stories from hitting the headlines.
What’s the Roadblock?
- Najib’s main case: 21 counts of money laundering, four of abuse of power, for allegedly accepting a mind‑boggling RM2.3 billion in slanted bank transfers.
- Three more cases, all carrying hefty prison terms and fines:
- ɣ 1MDB scuffle that grew into a $4.5 billion money‑laundering investigation involving the U.S.
The Tall Tale of the Palace
The Royal Palace of His Majesty Al‑Sultan Abdullah welcomed a petition for a pardon from Najib’s loyalists yesterday. The palace, known for its discretion, hasn’t dropped a line in response. While Najib has even shown up at the king’s Eid celebrations (see his photos from May), the attitude toward a return to freedom remains a mystery.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Stance?
Yaakob is at the helm of the ruling Umno, which is trying to polish its image. He’s yet to announce whether he’ll support a pardon for a former party leader, so the political future for Najib hangs in the balance.
Najib’s Current Climate
Najib busts into Kuala Lumpur after being escorted from the Kajang prison complex by armored police. He’s dressed in a dark suit, eyes peeled, as the court swoons again. Though he denies any wrongdoing—often frame‑up fodder as “political vendetta”—the financial tracings have been inevitable: the U.S. says $1 billion hit his accounts.
Bankruptcy Blues
A note of caution: Even if a pardon surfaces, bankruptcy has no wiggle room. That would block him from running in future elections. So the ghost of a spotless future doesn’t look bright.
Time Will Tell
With Mahathir’s candid words, the plant to medieval help may push for a pardon. But the real question is whether the crown will step in, looking out for justice or shoring up political ties. For now, the story is still at the nameless stage — an event to watch for a few months more.
