PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has successfully appealed to have his remaining time served under house arrest. This decision was announced on Monday as Najib continues to seek an alternative to his incarceration due to corruption charges.
In an application lodged in April of the previous year, Najib asserted that he received reliable information indicating that the former King, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had issued an additional order permitting him to complete his sentence at home. According to Najib, this order was established during a meeting of the pardons board on January 29 of last year, which was overseen by Sultan Abdullah. At that meeting, Najib’s 12-year prison term was reportedly reduced by half, along with a significant decrease in his financial penalties. However, his initial request was dismissed by the High Court three months later.
The Court of Appeals, ruling with a 2-1 majority, directed the High Court to evaluate the case’s merits. This verdict followed the submission of a letter by Najib’s legal adviser, which was provided by an official from the Pahang state palace, verifying the existence of the purported addendum order.
Najib’s attorney, Mohamad Shafee Abdullah, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that his client felt a sense of relief after receiving recognition of the perceived injustice against him. Shafee further criticized the government’s actions for concealing the addendum order, labeling it as “criminal.” The case will now be heard by a new judge in the High Court.
In his plea, Najib accused several officials, including members of the pardons board and the attorney general, of hiding the Sultan’s order with dubious intentions. Notably, Sultan Abdullah is originally from Najib’s hometown in Pahang. His five-year term concluded on January 30 of the previous year, under Malaysia’s unique monarchy system, with a new king assuming the throne the following day.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that his ministry and the prison department had only received information regarding the pardons board’s decision to commute Najib’s sentence. While he acknowledged the existence of an addendum order, he stated that he had no prior knowledge of it.
At 71, Najib served less than two years of his original sentence before the pardons board intervened. His current sentence is expected to end on August 23, 2028. He was convicted in connection with a corruption case tied to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, which involved the misappropriation of billions from a state fund.
The pardons board did not provide a justification for its decision, and there is no requirement for them to do so. Nevertheless, the ruling has sparked significant public backlash, raising concerns over the perception that Najib might be receiving preferential treatment compared to other inmates.
Najib was instrumental in establishing the 1MDB fund shortly after he assumed office in 2009. Authorities allege that at least $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund and subsequently laundered by his associates through various bank accounts in other nations, funding Hollywood productions and luxurious acquisitions, including a yacht, artwork, and jewelry. Over $700 million allegedly found its way into Najib’s personal bank accounts.
The former Prime Minister continues to contest graft charges in a pivotal trial that directly links him to this widespread corruption scandal.
