Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak will be allowed to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest, according to the Wall Street Journal. The decision was made by Malaysia's king, Reuters reports.
Najib was convicted in connection with the 1MDB scandal, a multibillion-dollar graft case tied to the state investment fund. The New York Times described him as a former prime minister convicted of theft who is now set to exchange prison for a mansion.
The Pardons Board met at the palace to consider the matter, according to Malaysiakini, which reported that lawyer Yeoh and the attorney general left the palace after the meeting. Malaysiakini also reported that Umno's secretary-general posted "Alhamdulillah" following the proceedings.
The decision draws attention to the legal status of Malaysia's most prominent jailed politician and to the role of the monarchy in granting clemency. The case has been closely followed since Najib's conviction, given its connection to the 1MDB fund and its political significance in Malaysia.
What to watch next: how Malaysian authorities implement the house arrest arrangement and whether the decision prompts further legal or political responses.