Najib’s Supporters Rally at Palace of Justice Ahead of Court Decision

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13: Dozens of supporters gathered at the Palace of Justice early this morning to welcome former prime minister Najib Razak, as the Federal Court prepares to deliver a key ruling in his ongoing legal battle.

Chanting “Free Bossku,” the crowd began assembling as early as 6am, awaiting Najib’s arrival at around 8:30am. Among those present were several political figures, including former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, UMNO youth chief Dr. Akmal Saleh, and Supreme Council member Mahdzir Khalid.

Today’s decision will determine whether the attorney general may appeal against a previous court order granting Najib leave to pursue judicial review proceedings. These proceedings seek to enforce a decree from a former Yang di-Pertuan Agong allowing him to serve his sentence under house arrest.

A three-member Federal Court bench, led by Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah and comprising Federal Court judges Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof and Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, is set to deliver the ruling.

Najib, convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022. He filed a royal pardon petition on September 2, 2022. The Federal Territories Pardons Board later reduced his prison term from 12 years to six and cut his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.