Najib to Remain in Kajang Prison Until RM50 Million Fine Is Paid

SHAH ALAM: [UPDATED] Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will remain in Kajang Prison until the RM50 million fine is paid to the court.

The matter was confirmed by Najib’s solicitors, Messrs Shafee & Co., in a statement issued on his behalf on Sunday.

According to the statement, their client and his legal team are currently reviewing the conditions and their practical implications.

“As clearly stated in the announcement, the implementation of house arrest for our client is subject to compliance with the stipulated conditions.

“In the meantime, and until the fine is paid to the court, our client will remain in Kajang Prison,” the statement said.

Last Friday, Sinar Harian reported that Najib had been granted a conditional pardon by Sultan Ibrahim, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

The decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, held on Friday.

According to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, the conditional pardon is subject to Najib paying a RM50 million fine.

Regarding the RM50 million fine, Messrs Shafee & Co. explained that a substantial portion of Najib’s assets, bank accounts and properties remain subject to freezing orders and enforcement action by the government.

According to his lawyers, this means that the disposal of those assets is currently not entirely within Najib’s control.

“His ability to fulfil the condition therefore depends, in part, on matters beyond his control,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Messrs Shafee & Co. said Najib is seeking advice and considering the available options to determine the best way to fulfil the condition.

Najib also expressed his gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for exercising the royal prerogative of pardon in his case.

His lawyers said Najib also expressed his appreciation to the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories for considering his application.

They added that Najib also expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, members of the UMNO Supreme Council, as well as UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders and members at all levels who have continued to stand firmly by him.

“Our client also thanks Malaysians who have come forward to offer assistance in fulfilling the stipulated condition.

“He is deeply grateful and touched that so many people wish to offer their support and stand by him,” the statement said.

However, Messrs Shafee & Co. said Najib did not want any party, including his party, its members and supporters, or members of the public, to feel burdened or under any obligation on his behalf.

“He remains deeply grateful to those who, of their own free will and according to their respective means, have chosen to extend their support and assistance.

“Their sincerity has been a tremendous source of strength for him throughout the years and continues to be so today,” the statement added.

In the same development, the lawyers said their client expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family members, friends and everyone who has continued to pray for him.

However, Messrs Shafee & Co. said Najib requested that his family’s privacy be respected, adding that his legal team would not make any further comments for the time being.

Sinar Harian