Post by : Rohit Dhiman

A Kuala Lumpur DAP leader has urged the party's ministers and deputy ministers to leave the federal Cabinet if former prime minister Najib Razak receives a pardon and is released from prison. Ben Fong, treasurer of Kuala Lumpur DAP, said it would be impossible for DAP to remain part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration if Najib is granted clemency. Fong described the possible release as a fundamental political boundary for the party and said DAP members serving in the government should be prepared to resign if such a decision is made. His comments come as attention turns to the Federal Territories Pardons Board, which is expected to consider Najib's request for a pardon.

DAP Faces Pressure Over Najib's Possible Pardon

The issue could create a significant political challenge for DAP, which is part of the coalition government led by Anwar Ibrahim. Fong argued that remaining in the Cabinet after a pardon could undermine the party's position on accountability and institutional reform. He said political stability should not be used as a reason to accept decisions that conflict with principles the party considers important. According to Fong, DAP leaving the Cabinet would not necessarily mean withdrawing support for the government altogether. He suggested that DAP could continue supporting the administration from outside the Cabinet while working to maintain political stability and pursue institutional reforms.

What Did Ben Fong Say About Najib's Release?

Fong said DAP should regard a possible pardon for Najib as a line that cannot be crossed. He argued that party representatives in the Cabinet would need to consider their position if the former prime minister were released. The statement reflects the sensitivity surrounding Najib Razak and the long-running legal cases connected to the 1MDB scandal. The controversy has remained a major issue in Malaysian politics, particularly because Najib is a former prime minister and continues to face legal consequences arising from corruption and financial misconduct cases.

Najib's Earlier Conviction and Prison Sentence

Najib, 72, has been serving a prison sentence after being convicted in the SRC International case. He was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being found guilty of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International. Najib began serving his sentence at Kajang prison in August 2022. The Federal Territories Pardons Board subsequently reduced his prison sentence from 12 years to six years and lowered the fine to RM50 million. The earlier reduction became an important part of the broader debate over whether Najib could receive further clemency.

New 1MDB Conviction Adds to Political Controversy

Najib was also convicted in December 2025 in a separate case involving abuse of power and money laundering linked to more than RM2 billion associated with 1MDB. He received another 15-year prison sentence and was ordered to pay a fine of RM11.38 billion. Najib has appealed against that conviction. The separate case means that any decision concerning his possible release or pardon could have wider legal and political implications.

DAP's Position Inside Anwar's Government

DAP currently has five ministers and seven deputy ministers serving in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration. The party's participation in the coalition government has made its response to the Najib issue particularly significant. Fong's statement does not necessarily call for DAP to withdraw support from the government. Instead, he proposed that party representatives could leave their Cabinet positions while continuing to support the administration from outside. Such an approach, he said, could allow DAP to contribute to political stability while maintaining its position on governance and institutional reforms.

Political Stability Versus Accountability

The debate places two important political considerations against each other: maintaining the stability of the government and upholding principles surrounding accountability. Fong said stability should not become a justification for accepting every political decision. He argued that there are circumstances in which political parties must establish clear boundaries and act according to their stated principles. The comments could intensify discussion within the coalition as Malaysian political leaders await the outcome of the pardon process.

Why Is the Pardons Board Important?

The Federal Territories Pardons Board has a constitutional role in considering applications for clemency in cases within its jurisdiction. Najib's reported request for a pardon has therefore attracted considerable attention because of his former position as prime minister, his ongoing imprisonment and the political importance of the 1MDB cases. Any decision could have consequences beyond Najib's personal legal position, particularly for relations among parties within the governing coalition.

What Happens if Najib Razak Is Pardoned?

Kuala Lumpur DAP leader Ben Fong has called on DAP members serving in the Cabinet to resign if former prime minister Najib Razak receives a pardon and is released. He said DAP could continue supporting the government from outside the Cabinet.

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Where Is the Najib Pardon Issue Being Considered?

The political controversy is unfolding in Malaysia, with attention focused on the Federal Territories Pardons Board and Najib's request for clemency. The issue is also creating discussion within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government.

What Could This Mean for DAP?

If Najib receives a pardon, DAP could face an internal decision over whether its ministers and deputy ministers should remain in government. Fong's position suggests that leaving the Cabinet would not automatically mean abandoning the governing coalition or triggering the government's collapse. Instead, DAP could potentially provide support from outside the Cabinet while continuing to advocate for reforms. The Najib pardon issue could therefore become an important test for the coalition government's internal political balance. The debate also highlights the continuing significance of the 1MDB scandal, which has remained one of Malaysia's most consequential political and legal controversies. For now, no final outcome regarding Najib's latest pardon request has been established in the information provided, while political attention remains focused on the upcoming proceedings and their possible impact on the government.

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