Najib pardon postponement gives ‘breathing space’ amid heated debate: analysts

KUALA LUMPUR – The postponement of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application is a “win-win” situation that could help ease political tensions surrounding the former prime minister, according to Political analyst and geostrategist, Professor Dr Azmi Hassan. He said the decision to defer the matter would allow tensions between those supporting clemency for Najib and those opposed to any form of pardon or sentence reduction to cool. “I think the postponement is a win-win situation for all, for those who want to see Najib released, or at least under house arrest, and also a win situation for those who oppose any form of clemency reduction, house arrest of Datuk Seri Najib,” he said to Scoop. Azmi said the decision could have been made to prevent the issue from escalating further amid strong opposing views over Najib’s fate. “I think Yang di-Pertuan Agong sees fit that it should be postponed to reduce the tension between these two groups, because the tension between these two groups can boil into something much worse,” he added. Political analyst and geostrategist, Professor Dr Azmi Hassan said the postponement of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application is a “win-win” situation that could help ease political tensions surrounding the former prime minister. - Social media pic, September 11, 2026 He described the postponement as the “correct decision”, allowing the matter to be discussed at a later date or at the next Pardons Board meeting. Azmi said the delay was particularly appropriate given the sensitivity surrounding Najib’s case and the differing views over the form of clemency he should receive. He said supporters of Najib were primarily seeking house arrest rather than another sentence reduction or a full pardon. “Most people who support Datuk Seri Najib want to see him placed under house arrest, which was the decision made by the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, rather than a full pardon or another reduction in his sentence,” he explained. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the postponement indicated that Najib’s application remained under consideration, although the issue had become increasingly contentious and politicised. “I think that Najib Razak's application for a royal pardon has become a highly contentious issue, and has even been politicised to the point where the process has become complicated,” he said to Scoop. Mazlan said the deferral suggested that the application required further scrutiny and consideration rather than indicating that Najib’s chances of receiving clemency had necessarily weakened. “I believe it was postponed to allow the Pardons Board more time and space. I think the application is still being considered; it has simply been deferred for the time being,” he added. However, Mazlan said Najib’s previous 50 per cent sentence reduction in 2024 could make another pardon or sentence reduction controversial, particularly among Pakatan Harapan component parties. “Many people particularly PH component parties, view it as inappropriate for Najib to seek a pardon again, given that he has already received a sentence reduction,” he explained. He added that some also believed Najib should wait until all his cases had been concluded before seeking another pardon. On the possible outcome, Mazlan said the more likely options were a further reduction of Najib’s sentence or house arrest. “I think it is more about further reduction of his sentence or house arrest,” he said. Mazlan also agreed that political considerations could have played a role in the postponement, particularly amid tensions between PH and Barisan Nasional. “Yes, I think so. The current political situation is not so conducive, especially regarding the relationship between PH and BN,” he added. Earlier, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to defer the pardon application of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to a future meeting of the Pardons Board, according to the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU). BHEUU said His Majesty made the decision during the 63rd Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, which was held this morning. - September 11, 2026 The post Najib pardon postponement gives ‘breathing space’ amid heated debate: analysts appeared first on Scoop .