Najib Razak

The pardon, which halves the former leader's prison sentence from 12 to six years, could see him free ahead of the country's next general election.

Former PM Najib Razak is currently serving a 12-year sentence for his involvement in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal.

The decision comes less than two weeks after the dropping of corruption charges against an ally for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The confirmation, which follows the return of another 1MDB suspect from Macau, is unlikely to result in the fugitive financier's extradition.

The Federal Court rejected Prime Minister Najib Razak's request, with a judge describing him as "the author of his own misfortunes."

The High Court ruling would appear to undermine the claim of the former leader's supporters that the cases against him are politically motivated.

Lawyers for Najib Razak have filed a petition with the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, claiming "rushed justice."

Najib Razak's campaign for a royal pardon will provide a compelling political B-plot in the run-up to the country's next general election.

Rosmah Mansor, 70, was accused of soliciting and receiving bribes in order to facilitate a contract to provide solar panels for schools in Borneo.

After decades of subordination to politicians, the conviction of Najib Razak on corruption charges was a powerful assertion of independence by the country's judiciary.

The ruling United Malays National Organisation is hoping to capitalize on recent strong showings at the state level.

Najib Razak's best hope of an early release is to mobilize his base and generate public pressure for the king to intervene.