Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s prison sentence has been shortened to six years from 12 years in a decision by a board led by the previous king, according to a CNA report. 

The decision includes a reduction of his US$44 million fine to an unspecified amount, the Singapore-based media outlet reported, citing unnamed sources including senior government officials.

Malaysia’s home affairs minister said on Wednesday (Jan 31) the Cabinet had discussed a request by Najib for a royal pardon.

It will be up to the discretion of the country’s Pardons Board to announce a decision on that request, Reuters quoted Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as telling reporters.

There has been a blitz of media speculation, with one prominent Malay-language newspaper forced to withdraw a report citing sources saying that Najib had been granted a full pardon.

Officials have declined to comment on further reports.

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“Let us not jump the gun, let us wait for an official statement to be made,” Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said at a separate press briefing.

“We must show professionalism in reporting.”

A shorter jail term means Najib, who’s been in prison since August 2022, is expected to complete his sentence in August 2028, the report said, adding that he could be out on parole for good behaviour in August 2026.

Najib, 70, is currently serving his sentence after being convicted in 2022 on three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of abuse of power in relation to the country’s investment fund 1MDB.

The United Malays National Organisation (Umno) that Najib once led has become a key ally of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government. Umno is now led by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, a deputy prime minister to Anwar.

Najib’s reduced sentence could dent Anwar’s credibility as an anti-corruption campaigner, said Tunku Mohar Mohd Mokhtar, a political science lecturer at International Islamic University of Malaysia. The premier’s reform agenda has faced criticisms after the government last year withdrew 47 criminal charges against Zahid. Anwar has denied interfering in the case.

“One plus point for Anwar is that Umno may be even more indebted to him,” Tunku Mohar said. “This will provide better stability for the government of the day.”  

While any leniency could fuel unhappiness among supporters of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition, they are unlikely to turn to an opposition group that’s led by an Islamic party, he said.

Najib was accused of transferring US$8.9 million from 1MDB subsidiary SRC International to his personal account between 2014 and 2015. He remains on trial for dozens of other criminal charges related to the troubled wealth fund. 

Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Before the CNA report, Najib’s daughter Nooryana Najwa posted on Tuesday a picture of the former leader on her Instagram account, saying she was waiting for her father’s return, “however long it takes.” BLOOMBERG, REUTERS