Frozen assets may hinder RM50m payment for Najib’s house arrest, his lawyers say

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's capacity to meet the RM50 million fine stipulated for his house arrest may face obstacles due to frozen assets, bank accounts, and properties under government enforcement proceedings, as per his legal team. Messrs Shafee & Co pointed out that a "significant portion" of Najib's assets are presently frozen, rendering their disposal beyond his immediate control.

Consequently, his ability to fulfill the fine condition is contingent upon factors outside his authority. According to the statement issued on behalf of Najib, he remains incarcerated at Kajang Prison and will only transition to house arrest once the prerequisites are fulfilled. Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar emphasized that the first step involves paying the RM50 million fine at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Registrar's Office before commencing the house-arrest procedure.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon on Friday, permitting him to serve the remainder of his six-year sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, contingent upon paying the fine and adhering to other stipulations. Najib's legal representatives expressed gratitude to the King, the Federal Territories Pardons Board, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Umno supreme council, the party and Barisan Nasional leadership, and members for their support.

The former premier has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since August 2022 following the Federal Court's reduction of his original 12-year sentence and RM210 million fine in the SRC International case to six years and RM50 million, respectively, following a 2024 pardon.