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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is unable to pay a RM50 million fine imposed to allow him to serve the remaining part of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest, according to his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. Shafee revealed that Najib's bank accounts have been frozen, including one at Affin Bank where he once received his salary as prime minister and MP.

"As of today, Datuk Seri Najib himself cannot afford to pay it," the lawyer declared to reporters after court proceedings concerning Najib. Shafee also disclosed that Najib had not solicited public donations to cover the RM50 million fine. The former premier finds himself in a challenging situation, as he is obligated to pay the fine as part of the pardon conditions, yet lacks the financial resources to do so.

"He is caught in a dilemma since he must pay it, but he simply does not have the funds," Shafee asserted, adding that he is unaware of the amount raised in contributions. Additionally, Shafee stated that Najib has yet to receive the official letter regarding the conditional pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which permits him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest.

The legal team has also not obtained the document outlining the pardon's conditions. "The Yang di-Pertuan Agong made the decision under his authority, but the most crucial person is Datuk Seri Najib, as he is the one who was sentenced to prison and house arrest. However, as of today, he has not received the letter," Shafee explained.

He expressed confusion over the prolonged absence of the letter and the Prisons Department's failure to receive it. The delay is hindering the legal team's subsequent actions as they are uncertain about the full conditions contained in the official document. "Eight days. It is peculiar. This delay is impacting the legal team's next steps because we do not know the complete conditions contained in the official document," Shafee lamented.