Najib pending homecoming cut short; court rejects bid to stay 1MDB prison sentence

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Malaysia's High Court has refused former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's request to postpone the enforcement of his 15-year prison sentence and RM11.38 billion fine in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) corruption case. The ruling puts Najib on track for a new warrant of committal to take effect after he completes his shorter sentence for the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, with the 15-year 1MDB sentence set to begin in August 2028.

Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin dismissed the application, stating that the severity of the crimes and broader public interest factors outweighed Najib's personal concerns. She rejected claims that Najib's health posed a special circumstance requiring a stay, saying the medical report showed his needs were well attended to by the government.

The judge also ruled that the fine, while substantial, does not constitute a special circumstance as payment would not be enforceable until after any final appeal decisions. Najib was convicted last December on charges of abusing power and laundering 2.3 billion ringgit in 1MDB funds, facing a 15-year jail term, an 11.38 billion ringgit fine and an additional 2.081 billion ringgit recoverable sum.