Asyraf: Delaying Najib's house arrest would defy King's decree

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has cautioned against delaying the implementation of former Prime Minister Najib Razak's house arrest, asserting that such an act would be seen as defiance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree. Emphasizing respect for the King's constitutional powers of pardon under Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, Asyraf implored all parties to adhere to the King's authority.

The Umno chief questioned the necessity of further delaying the house arrest when the fine has been fully paid. He argued that any delay in implementing the King's decree and the Pardons Board's decision would constitute defiance and a violation of rights protected by the Federal Constitution. His comments followed the Attorney-General's Chambers' (AGC) suggestion to temporarily suspend the house arrest pending clarification on legal matters regarding the conditional royal pardon.

The AGC highlighted uncertainties surrounding whether the payment of Najib's RM50 million fine means he should continue serving the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, or if his entire sentence should be deemed completed. The AGC stressed that the proposed delay is not aimed at challenging the King's decree but to ensure the conditional pardon and relevant court orders are properly executed.

The Umno confirmed that Najib's RM50 million fine has been settled at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, leading to an order for him to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest. The conditional pardon, granted on September 18, permits Najib to serve the remaining portion of his sentence at home until August 23, 2028, provided he fulfills the payment of the fine and meets other stipulated conditions.