SHAH ALAM - Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is unlikely to file a new application for a full pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, in the near future, according to an analyst.
Senior Fellow of the National Council of Professors Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir said several factors would be considered before such an application is made, including justification and precedents from similar cases.
"While there is a desire for immediate release from Najib's party, Umno, and his side, I believe many factors need to be carefully considered, including the strength of the grounds for the application and past cases," Jeniri told Sinar.
He cited the case of former Culture, Youth, and Sports minister Datuk Mokhtar Hashim, who was initially sentenced to death for murder but later had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment before ultimately being released in July 1991 after receiving a royal pardon.
Jeniri stressed the importance of respecting the decision of the Pardons Board, which reduced Najib's prison sentence and fine.
"While a second request for pardon is allowed by the Constitution, it's crucial to show respect for the decision that has been made.
"The six-year period could potentially be further reduced based on factors such as good behavior," he said.
Jeniri pointed out that waiting for the right time to make any new pardon application would be prudent, as rushing into it prematurely may not yield the desired outcome.