Security presence disappears from Najib’s Taman Duta residence as house arrest remains on hold

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Security personnel vanished from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Taman Duta residence today, a day after the property was secured in anticipation of his house arrest return. No police officers or Prisons Department vehicles were observed outside the Jalan Langgak Duta house, and the yellow security tape barring entry had been removed.

This starkly contrasted with Friday's heightened security measures, where officials controlled access, permitting only authorized individuals and vehicles. The security reduction followed a request for legal clarification by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) on the conditional pardon's implementation. The AGC suspended the house arrest after the royal pardon, pending their determination.

Despite the lack of security today, journalists continued to monitor the residence, anticipating further developments. The AGC demanded a prompt court decision on whether Najib's SRC International prison sentence remains active or terminated upon fine payment. They noted that 1MDB's 15-year sentence began after the SRC sentence's completion.

The AGC dismissed accusations of challenging Sultan Ibrahim's authority, clarifying that their request aimed to ensure lawful enforcement of the royal decree and court orders. Najib, 73, is currently serving a sentence for SRC International fund misuse, initially 12 years, reduced to six under a royal pardon in 2024. A September 18 conditional pardon allowed house arrest, contingent on fine payment and adherence to conditions.