Pas: Why is Najib's house arrest still on hold?

Pas has called for clarification from Malaysian authorities regarding the ongoing delay in implementing former Prime Minister Najib Razak's house arrest sentence, despite him having paid a RM50 million fine. Pas Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan questioned why the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) continued to seek clarification on the conditional royal pardon issued nearly two months ago.

The pardon, announced on September 18, stipulated that Najib could serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he paid the fine. Takiyuddin argued that the interpretation of the law and the public's understanding is clear, and once the fine is paid, Najib should be allowed to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest.

He also highlighted that the High Court's order rejecting an application for a stay of execution in Najib's 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case on October 14 should not have prompted the A-GC to seek clarification later, rather than when the initial pardon was granted. Takiyuddin urged the A-GC to explain the delay in implementing the royal pardon, emphasizing that justice delayed is justice denied, and the legal maxim must be upheld to ensure fairness.

The government confirmed that Najib's RM50 million fine had been fully paid at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, but the A-GC then requested a temporary suspension of house arrest until legal questions surrounding the pardon and court orders were clarified. The chambers stated that the deferral was not to challenge the King's decree but to ensure proper implementation.

Najib's lawyers have rejected the A-GC's position and demanded his immediate transfer to house arrest. Najib remains in Kajang Prison, where he has been serving his reduced sentence since August 2022 after his conviction for misappropriating funds from SRC International.