No Time Limit to Pay RM50 Million for House Arrest

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no stipulated period or deadline for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to pay the RM50 million fine required for him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

Najib’s lawyer, Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican, said Najib would remain at Kajang Prison as long as the payment has not been made.

He said the former Prime Minister still has the opportunity to fulfil the condition at any time, without being bound by any specific deadline.

“There is no stipulated period or time limit,” he told Utusan Malaysia.

On Sept 18, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine and other stipulated conditions.

Hasnal Rezua had previously explained that failure to pay the fine would mean Najib could not serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest and would continue to be held at Kajang Prison.

Utusan Malaysia also reported two days ago that Najib’s legal team is currently seeking the release of some assets that remain subject to legal proceedings or under the control of the authorities to help fulfil the condition.

At the same time, efforts to raise the funds through public fundraising or crowdfunding are also being considered, although RM50 million would be a substantial amount to raise through public contributions.

Hasnal Rezua said any fundraising effort would require approval from the relevant authorities and, if necessary, an application for the release of assets could be made through the courts.

Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar had previously confirmed that the RM50 million had yet to be paid and that payment must be made at the Registrar’s Office of the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

UTUSAN