Keupayaan Najib bayar denda RM50 juta di luar kawalannya, kata peguam

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will serve the remainder of his sentence under home detention until August 23, 2028, following a conditional pardon last Friday and the payment of a RM50 million fine, according to his lawyer. The conditional pardon granted to Najib allows him to serve the remainder of his sentence under home detention until August 23, 2028, contingent upon his payment of the fine and compliance with other conditions.

Najib's law firm's statement stated that Najib is considering the best option to fulfill the condition. Currently, most of Najib's assets, bank accounts, and properties remain under the government's attachment and restraining orders, and his lawyers are investigating the practical implications. A significant portion of his assets, bank accounts, and properties remain under the government's attachment and restraining orders, and his control over them is limited.

Najib's lawyer expressed gratitude to those who offered assistance in meeting the RM50 million fine condition, but noted that he does not want Umno members, supporters, or the general public to feel restricted or bound to assist him. The lawyer emphasized that Najib is grateful for those who, on their own initiative and according to their ability, have chosen to support and assist him.

The lawyers stated that Najib also congratulated the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, on his permissive decision to grant royal prerogative mercy. Najib's son accepted the Sultan's decision with deep gratitude and humility. Najib, 73, was granted conditional pardon last Friday, enabling him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under home detention until August 23, 2028, subject to his payment of the RM50 million fine and other conditions.

According to the Attorney General's Chambers, Najib must adhere to all set conditions, and if he fails to do so, the conditional pardon will be revoked. However, no details about the conditions were provided. Najib began serving his prison sentence in August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for abuse of power, breach of trust, and embezzlement of RM42 million from SRC International, the former subsidiary of 1MDB.

He is currently serving his sentence at Penjara Kajang after the Federal Appeal Board reduced half of his original sentence, from 12 years and RM210 million fine, to a RM50 million fine in February 2024. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong convened a meeting of the Federal Appeal Board, which included a state-lawyer, a federal minister, and three royal appointees.