Najib to submit new application for full pardon

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be submitting a new application for a full royal pardon, says his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

"The reason we want to make another request (for a pardon) is because we don't think that the Pardons Board operated in a way the Federal Constitution expected them to," he said at a press conference here on Wednesday (Feb 7).

He added Najib's defence team was waiting for the right time to submit a fresh application.

He said Najib's first pardon application was put forth by his defence team shortly after his conviction by the Federal Court.

It was made on the basis that Najib did not receive a fair trial after the Federal Court refused to adjourn the appeal hearing after Najib appointed new lawyers to represent him.

However, he said the new application had sufficient grounds including the "unclear processes" of the Pardons Board.

"The law is clear that the royal prerogative of mercy is at the sole discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"It is unfettered and non-challengeable in court. But due to inconsistencies (in the pardon process) pointed out, many members of the public are concerned," said Muhammad Shafee.

On Feb 2, the Federal Territories Pardons Board halved Najib's 12-year jail term to six years and reduced his fine from RM210mil to RM50mil.