PETALING JAYA: The government will convene a Pardons Board meeting today.

A cabinet minister who prefers anonymity told Sin Chew Daily that by law, a prisoner will have to serve at least a third of his jail sentence before he can apply for a royal pardon.

“Najib has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. By right he will need to serve at least four years before he is eligible to apply for a royal pardon.”

Another minister also said today’s meeting would not discuss Najib’s application.

Meanwhile, Parti Amanah Negara communication director Khalid Abdul Samad has in a statement urged His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong to reject the pardon application by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the pardon of Najib would hurt the Malaysia Madani image advocated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.