Najib’s bank accounts frozen, cannot afford RM50m fine, says lawyer

KUALA LUMPUR, September 25 — Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is struggling to pay a RM50 million fine, which is a prerequisite for him to serve the rest of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest, according to his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. Shafee stated that Najib does not have the financial means to settle the fine, as his bank accounts have been frozen.

An Affin Bank account he once used to receive his salary as Prime Minister and Member of Parliament is now inaccessible. During a press conference, Shafee confirmed that Najib himself cannot afford the fine, emphasizing, "He cannot afford to pay it." Shafee also clarified that Najib has not sought public donations to help cover the fine.

The lawyer further explained that Najib faces a challenging situation, as he is obligated to pay the fine as part of the pardon conditions, but lacks the necessary funds. "He is in a dilemma because he is supposed to pay it, but he does not have the money," Shafee added. Additionally, the lawyer mentioned that Najib has not yet received the official letter regarding the conditional pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which permits him to complete his SRC International sentence under house arrest.

The legal team is also yet to receive the document outlining the pardon's conditions. Shafee highlighted that the delay in receiving the official letter and the pardon conditions is causing difficulties for their next legal steps, as they remain unaware of the complete terms of the pardon.