Najib’s house arrest: DAP leadership to decide party stance tomorrow, says Loke

Najib’s house arrest: DAP leadership to decide party stance tomorrow, says Loke



DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke speaks during the DAP National Congress 2026 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on August 16, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa


Summary

• The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will hold an emergency central executive committee meeting to determine its response to the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, allowing him house arrest until 2028, subject to a RM50 million fine.
• Party secretary-general Anthony Loke emphasized the lasting impact of Najib's 1MDB conviction on Malaysia's reputation and financial standing, which has burdened taxpayers with significant liabilities.
• While affirming the DAP's commitment to accountability and the rule of law, Loke acknowledged the constitutional pardoning power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim asserted that the pardon does not weaken the government's stance against corruption.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 4:38 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — DAP will convene an emergency central executive committee (CEC) meeting tomorrow to decide its formal position in response to the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, party secretary-general Anthony Loke announced today.

The announcement came hours after the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department confirmed that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to a RM50 million fine.

“This scandal has associated Malaysia's name with kleptocracy in the eyes of the world, tarnishing the country's image and eroding public and investor confidence in the nation's administrative institutions,” Loke said of the 1MDB scandal.

“The conviction of Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the case involving 1MDB is an offence that has been decided by the courts, and its impact on the country cannot be forgotten.”

Loke noted that the long-term financial fallout remains severe, citing recent Finance Ministry data indicating that 1MDB obligations have saddled taxpayers with RM51.4 billion in liabilities, comprising RM42.5 billion already settled and RM8.9 billion in outstanding debt.

He reiterated DAP’s longstanding stance demanding accountability for the scandal, recalling that public outrage over 1MDB was the decisive catalyst behind the historic change of government in the 2018 general election.

Defending Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh’s role on the Pardons Board, Loke said that she had consistently articulated the party’s core principles and discharged her constitutional duties candidly in the national interest.


“At the same time, DAP respects the pardoning power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

“DAP has always upheld the principles of constitutional monarchy and the sanctity of the constitution, alongside defending the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” he added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim maintained that the pardon does not dilute the government’s resolve to combat graft and power abuse.

Anwar stressed that all existing corruption investigations and ongoing court proceedings involving Najib must continue without compromise under the law.