Shafee: House arrest separate from parole, remission [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah clarified that house arrest is distinct from parole and remission, stating it is not an uncommon arrangement for prisoners. Following the conditional pardon enabling Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence at home, Shafee addressed reporters post-court proceedings.

He emphasized that house arrest is unrelated to parole or remission, stating, "there had been considerable speculation over how house arrest would work." Remission and parole are methods by which a prisoner's incarceration period could be shortened, while house arrest entails serving a sentence outside prison. Remission may reduce a prisoner's sentence if they maintain good conduct, whereas parole involves a separate process determined by a parole board.

Shafee reiterated that house arrest is not unusual, citing similar arrangements for other prisoners. During a visit to Najib at prison, Shafee observed licences issued to prisoners permitting temporary home returns during events like Hari Raya. These licences, he explained, function as house arrest. A licence grants permission to leave prison for specified periods, such as seven days to a month, under certain conditions.

Violating these conditions results in re-incarceration. Shafee noted that public discussions surrounding Najib's house arrest were largely speculative, particularly regarding imposed conditions. He noted that his legal team lacked comprehensive information, as they had yet to receive the official letter outlining the terms of Najib's conditional pardon.

Currently incarcerated at Kajang Prison, awaiting the fulfillment of conditions tied to the conditional pardon, 73-year-old Najib remains under house arrest.