Anwar on Najib pardon: ‘Plunderers must answer’

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has delivered a firm warning against institutional corruption, declaring that high-level plunderers must take full responsibility for their actions—even as the government respects the King’s decision on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Speaking directly on the controversy surrounding Najib’s recent conditional pardon, Anwar stressed that while he strictly abides by the Federal Constitution and the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, his constitutional duty permits him to offer legal and jurisprudential advice aimed at protecting national interests. "This country cannot tolerate corruption or the practice of plundering national wealth," Anwar told a gathering of more than 2,000 Islamic youth and community leaders on Saturday. "I abide by the spirit of the Constitution, but that does not prevent a prime minister from giving views and advice based on jurisprudence and the law." The Prime Minister explicitly named scandals that have plagued state institutions in recent years, including 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Felda, and Lembaga Tabung Haji, insisting that accountability remains paramount. "Tabung Haji, Felda, 1MDB—people who plundered wealth must answer for it," Anwar asserted. "So whatever the decision, it should not deviate from saving our country." The strong remarks follow Sultan Ibrahim's decision on Sept 18 to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing the 73-year-old former premier to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until August 2028, contingent on a RM50 million fine. Anwar was accompanied at the event by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan. The 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner brought together members of ABIM, Wadah, and PKPIM. - September 27, 2026 The post Anwar on Najib pardon: ‘Plunderers must answer’ appeared first on Scoop .