KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has chosen to remain tight-lipped about a contentious royal decree that may allow former Prime Minister Najib Razak to serve his prison sentence from the comfort of his home.

In a parliamentary session on December 10, Anwar was asked to clarify the matter that has stirred political turmoil for his administration. He stated that he could not comment due to the upcoming court appeal on January 6, 2025, regarding the alleged royal “addendum” that would permit Najib’s house arrest. Anwar emphasized, “Is it reasonable for us to comment before the hearing? The answer is no.”

In his remarks, Anwar also mentioned that he had referred the situation to the current Malaysian King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, for further deliberation, thereby leaving the matter open to interpretation. This statement has not quelled growing speculation regarding the existence of the document, purportedly issued by Najib's predecessor, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah.

Critics are increasingly vocal, questioning Anwar’s leadership amid rising disillusionment with the pace of reforms, soaring living costs, and mounting pressures from the ruling party, UMNO, which is entangled in this particular controversy. It has been reported that the Pahang palace, where Sultan Abdullah reigns, has opted to withhold any public statement due to the legal proceedings that could unfold.

Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin has weighed in on the matter, declaring that if a royal decree does exist and is not executed, it could trigger a “mini constitutional crisis.” He pointed out the implications of holding back such information, asking why it has remained obscured since January if the documentation is indeed valid.

Najib, who is currently 71, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in August 2022 over a massive corruption scandal associated with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund. In a surprising turn, the Federal Territories Pardons Board, under Sultan Abdullah's guidance, halved his sentence to six years and significantly reduced his financial punishment from RM210 million (about S$64 million) to RM50 million just before Sultan Abdullah's term ended on January 31, 2024.

Compounding public discontent over these events, Najib's son, Mohd Nizar Najib, has claimed that Sultan Abdullah disclosed the purported addendum's existence to him during a conversation on August 4, and even suggested that there was a copy of it that lacked the monarch's signature.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has called for restraint, advising all parties to avoid statements that could interfere with Najib’s legal endeavors. On December 10, Anwar noted that the issue of Najib's pardon had been discussed with Sultan Ibrahim during a recent meeting.

Political analysts suggest that Anwar’s hesitance to confirm or deny the decree stems from the potential ramifications on his coalition government and public sentiment. As Najib’s political presence looms large, many observers consider him a formidable contender against Anwar should he be released. The dynamics of power within Malaysian politics remain uncertain as this controversy unfolds, keeping both citizens and political figures on edge.

This ongoing saga not only highlights the factional divides within Malaysia but also unfolds in a backdrop where many citizens are calling for accountability and transparency in a time of economic strain. As December 2024 approaches, eyes will be glued to the outcome of Najib's court appeal and the larger implications for Anwar’s government.