Najib returns to Kajang Prison after HKL medical check-up

Najib Razak's lawyers have refuted claims by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) that the house arrest of the former Umno president could be delayed. According to a statement from Shafee & Co, the AGC lacks the authority to hinder Najib's house arrest and must proceed with any inquiries about the order in court. The lawyers argue that the commissioner-general of prisons has already released Najib into house arrest at his home, which has been designated as a prison under the royal pardon.

They emphasize that moving Najib from Kajang prison to his home does not negate his lawful custody but rather transfers him to another designated prison, as per the conditional pardon. The lawyers assert that all conditions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's order for house arrest have been fulfilled and there is no lawful reason for Najib to remain in Kajang prison any longer.

The AGC was criticized for its recent statement urging a postponement of Najib's house arrest, which the lawyers claim disregards the king's order. The AGC had previously called for a deferral of Najib's house arrest pending a review of the pardon and court order, citing complex legal questions and implications for Najib's 15-year prison sentence in a separate 1MDB case.

However, Najib's lawyers contend that the AGC's interpretations are focused on the pardon's effects and cannot prevent the implementation of the royal pardon. They view the AGC's stand as contempt and possibly treason, stating that nothing in the AGC's remarks justifies keeping Najib in Kajang prison. The lawyers question why the AGC did not raise legal concerns during the pardons board meeting that advised the king on the pardon, suggesting the AGC only raised the issues after the RM50 million fine was paid.

The AGC's delay request was met with criticism, as it came after the AGC had publicly maintained that payment of the fine was the sole obstacle preventing Najib from house arrest.