Najib’s lawyers seek immediate transfer home, say King’s decree must be executed today

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The legal representatives of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak are vehemently objecting to the Attorney General’s Chambers decision to temporarily suspend Najib's house arrest. In a press release, law firm Messrs Shafee & Co. contended that the AGC's "temporary suspension" of the house arrest order directly contradicts the King's official decree issued earlier today.

The lawyers stated that "His Majesty has now spoken" and that the only way for the AGC to abide by the King's commitment is by immediately enforcing the royal decree, known as the "Titah".

The legal team argued that the High Court's "Order of Discharge on Payment of Fine", issued on November 6, cannot be utilized to extend Najib's confinement, pointing out that the payment of the fine discharges the liability to pay it, and thus cannot terminate a sentence of imprisonment. They emphasized that the Pardon granted by the King, under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, is an exercise of the monarch's prerogative and is not subject to judicial review or the Attorney General's interference.

The statement noted that the AGC issued a follow-up press release 57 minutes after the King's decree, which did not mention the royal order.

As of the time of the legal team's statement, Najib remains incarcerated at Kajang Prison, with the King's decree yet to be implemented. The legal team has therefore implored the Commissioner General of Prisons to transfer Najib to his residence at No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta, Kuala Lumpur. They reiterated that "His Majesty's order must be carried out today".