Najib, the Royal Addendum, and Us: A Story Every Malaysian Should Understand

Najib, the Royal Addendum, and Us: A Story Every Malaysian Should Understand


20 Jul 2025 • 10:00 AM MYT


Annan Vaithegi
From sharing insights to creating content that connects and inspires

Image Source; Najib Razak


Najib’s case isn’t your everyday court story-it’s like a giant wayang kulit show with many characters, layers, and hidden hands. So many twists, turns, and colours until orang biasa pun pening. That’s why I’m breaking it down clearly, without all the legal jargon, so anyone-whether you're a student, a makcik at the pasar, or a retiree in Ipoh can understand what’s really going on. Because justice belongs to everyone, not just to those with law degrees or power.


The recent calls by Umno leaders for former Prime Minister Najib Razak to serve the rest of his prison sentence under house arrest have reignited national debate. At the heart of it is a "royal addendum" a supplementary order supposedly issued by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong. But what does this really mean for everyday Malaysians? Here's a simple breakdown of what’s going on and why it matters.

What is the Royal Addendum?

The royal addendum refers to a document believed to have been issued by the former King of Malaysia after Najib was granted a partial royal pardon in early 2024. That pardon halved Najib’s sentence from 12 years to 6 and reduced his RM210 million fine significantly. The addendum allegedly goes further it allows Najib to serve the remainder of his reduced sentence at home instead of in Kajang Prison.


While Najib’s lawyers claim this is legally binding, the government's legal advisors argue that the addendum does not carry weight unless it is endorsed through the proper constitutional process. This legal ambiguity has left Malaysia in a heated national debate over whether the government must act on the document and whether Najib deserves further leniency.

Where Did This Come From?

The controversy came to light after the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed the existence of the royal addendum. This confirmation fueled demands from Umno, the political party Najib once led, for the Prime Minister to act on it.


But here’s the catch: the royal addendum appears to have been issued after the formal meeting of the Pardons Board. Under Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, all pardons must be discussed by the Pardons Board a body chaired by the King but including the Attorney General, the Federal Territories Minister, and others. Any clemency order issued outside this process is not considered constitutionally valid.


As of now, there is no public record of the new Agong convening a new Pardons Board to adopt or confirm the addendum. That’s a key legal sticking point.

Umno’s Push

Umno is now pushing hard for Najib to be moved to house arrest. In a rare display of unity, 160 out of 191 division chiefs issued a public statement demanding the Prime Minister immediately enforce the former King’s addendum.


Leaders like Wangsa Maju division chief Shafei Abdullah say the time for excuses is over. Others argue that ignoring the royal addendum is disrespectful to the monarchy.


But many Malaysians are asking: who are these division leaders speaking on behalf of? How many are elected MPs? Most couldn’t even defeat their PAS opponents in the last general election. Yet here they are, demanding extraordinary legal privileges for a convicted former Prime Minister.

What Does the Government Say?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has remained cautious. His government maintains that until the courts decide whether the addendum is legally enforceable, no executive action will be taken.


It’s a wait-and-see approach that aims to protect the rule of law but critics within Umno see it as political foot-dragging.


Anwar, who campaigned on good governance and anti-corruption, now finds himself under pressure from within his own coalition. Umno is a key component of the unity government. This issue could test that relationship.

Why Does This Matter to Ordinary Malaysians?

This isn’t just about Najib. It’s about how Malaysia handles justice, royal authority, and political power. If royal decrees can be used to override court sentences outside due process, then the entire criminal justice system could be called into question.


Malaysians from all walks of life have long demanded fair treatment under the law. Many ordinary people face the full brunt of the justice system for far lesser crimes. Why should someone with power and influence be treated differently?


There’s also concern about how this affects the role of the monarchy. The monarchy is respected in Malaysia partly because it is seen as above politics. If its name becomes entangled in controversial cases like this one, public trust could erode.

Between Law and Politics

The Najib case reveals the complex relationship between the monarchy, the legal system, and political parties. It raises big questions: Can a King issue a clemency order after the Pardons Board has met? Should political parties be allowed to pressure the Prime Minister on matters before the court?


For Najib’s supporters, the royal addendum is an act of compassion and recognition of his legacy. For his critics, it’s a backdoor attempt to avoid accountability. For the public, it’s a test of whether Malaysia’s leaders still believe in the principle that no one is above the law.

The Bigger Picture

The truth is, this issue goes far beyond legal texts and political maneuvering. It touches on a deep, emotional nerve in the country. Many Malaysians remember how Najib’s 1MDB scandal shocked the nation. Billions were allegedly stolen. Investigations stretched from Singapore to the United States. The case became a global embarrassment.


After years of investigation and trial, Najib’s conviction was seen by many as a sign that Malaysia was finally taking corruption seriously. Reversing or softening that outcome without full legal clarity feels to many like a betrayal of public trust.


Supporters of the house arrest idea argue that Najib is aging, ill, and has served enough time. Others say compassion is important, but justice must be served properly. Malaysia’s image, integrity, and institutional independence are on the line.

What Happens Next?

The courts are now reviewing whether the addendum has legal force. Until that process is complete, Najib remains in Kajang Prison. If the courts declare the addendum enforceable, the government may have no choice but to act on it.


But the bigger question Malaysians must grapple with is this: will we allow political elites to reshape justice in their own image? Or will we insist that justice be consistent, clear, and constitutionally grounded?

Final Word

It’s easy to get lost in legal details. But what matters most is fairness. Malaysians have sacrificed too much for a better future to let it be hijacked by those who treat justice like a tool for personal or political gain.


At the end of the day, justice isn’t just about courts and kings. It’s about what kind of country we want to live in. A Malaysia where the powerful follow the same rules as everyone else or one where connections rewrite convictions. The choice isn't in history books it’s unfolding right now, in plain view.


Justice must be more than a slogan. It must be a standard applied to everyone, equally.