1MDB Scandal: Former Malaysian PM's Jail Sentence Halved, Could Be Released By 2028

In a recent development, the jail sentence of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been halved by the country’s pardons board, potentially leading to his release in 2028.

What Happened: The board, chaired by Malaysia’s king, made the decision earlier this week after reviewing an application for a royal pardon by Najib, who commenced serving a 12-year jail term in August 2022. The board did not provide a reason for the reduction, reported Reuters on Thursday.

This decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, with critics urging the government to clarify the rationale behind the move. The reduction in Najib’s sentence has also raised concerns about the government’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms.

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The decision was one of the final acts of the former king, Al-Sultan Abdullah, who completed his five-year reign under Malaysia’s rotating monarchy system. Sultan Ibrahim succeeded him from Johor on Wednesday.

Why It Matters: Najib’s conviction is linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, which saw billions of dollars siphoned off, leading to his ousting from power in 2018.

In 2020, he was found guilty of money laundering in a Goldman Sachs case connected to the 1MDB fund. The guilty verdict pertained to allegations that Najib received hundreds of millions of dollars from the fund launched in 2009.

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