Najib's RM50mil house arrest condition partly beyond his control, say lawyers

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's ability to fulfill the RM50 million fine required for his house arrest is potentially hindered by frozen assets, bank accounts and properties under government enforcement proceedings, according to his legal representatives. Messrs Shafee & Co, the law firm representing Najib, stated that a significant portion of his assets remain subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings, thus his control over their disposal is not solely his own. The lawyers shared these insights in a statement on behalf of their client.

Najib is currently held at Kajang Prison and will only be transferred to house arrest once the stipulated conditions are met. Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar reiterated that before the house-arrest process can proceed, Najib must first pay the RM50 million fine at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Registrar's Office.

On Friday, the Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon, enabling him to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028. However, this decision was contingent on the payment of the fine and adherence to other conditions. Najib's legal team expressed gratitude towards the King, the Federal Territories Pardons Board, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Umno supreme council, the Barisan Nasional leadership and party members for their support.

Najib has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since August 2022 following the confirmation of his conviction in the SRC International case by the Federal Court. His original sentence of 12 years and RM210 million fine was reduced to six years and RM50 million after a pardon was granted in 2024.