Najib Razak Must Resolve Cases Before Seeking Pardon, Says Group

A Malaysian advocacy group, Projek Kestabilan dan Akauntabiliti untuk Malaysia (Projek SAMA), has issued a clear directive to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, stating he must resolve his outstanding legal cases before seeking a royal pardon for his SRC International conviction.

The group insists that Najib must either proceed with full trials or enter guilty pleas for his remaining cases, which include the 1MDB-Tanore case (currently under appeal after a 15-year sentence and RM11.38 billion fine), the IPIC case, and the SRC2 case, both of which are ongoing trials. Projek SAMA dismissed the notion that electoral victories, such as in the Johor state elections, should signal a public desire for his pardon.

Projek SAMA urged Najib and his family to cease seeking a "VIP jail-free card" through political means or royal lobbying. To expedite any potential release, the group outlined three conditions: full resolution of his pending cases, a public admission of guilt and apology for embezzling public funds, and complete retirement from Malaysian politics. They argued against portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.

The group emphasized that when Najib's pardon appeal is considered by the Pardons Board, the gravity of his financial crimes and their long-term detrimental effects on Malaysia's future and its citizens must be taken into account. Projek SAMA stressed that pardons should complement justice, not undermine it, and that granting a pardon while other cases are pending could create a perception of impunity and erode public trust in the criminal justice system.