Kuala Lampur, Sept. 19 -- Malaysia has spent decades cultivating an image in Asean that rests on something more important than military strength or economic size.

It has relied on diplomatic credibility, institutional maturity and the capacity to present itself as a country governed by laws and functioning institutions.

The decision allowing former prime minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest therefore carries consequences extending beyond domestic politics.

On September 18, the King granted Najib a conditional pardon permitting him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home until August 23, 2028, provided that he pays the RM50 million fine and observes the conditions attach...