Media camp outside Najib's residence following conditional house arrest

In Malaysia, a significant development unfolded today as former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak received a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Approximately 50 media practitioners converged outside his residence in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, to cover the unfolding events. By 2pm, there had been no movement in or out of Najib's residence, and no supporters of the former Parliament member were present. Police officers were stationed nearby to ensure security.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board had granted Najib a conditional pardon, enabling him to complete his sentence until August 23, 2028, provided he fulfills the RM50 million fine from the SRC International case. The pardon was approved by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. Should Najib breach any conditions, his pardon could be revoked.

Previously serving a six-year prison term at Kajang Prison, Najib reduced his sentence to four years in February 2024 and paid a reduced fine of RM50 million. Najib was arrested in August 2022 following a Federal Court conviction for seven charges of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

He was initially sentenced to 12 years and fined RM210 million, which was later reduced to six years and RM50 million. The conditional pardon maintains his release date as August 23, 2028, with the failure to pay the fine resulting in an additional year of imprisonment, extending the release date to August 23, 2029.