Najib’s Son Urges Equal Respect for Royal Addendum as Unity Government Decree

KUALA LUMPUR: Nizar Najib, the eldest son of former prime minister Najib Razak, has called on the Malaysian government to demonstrate the same urgency and respect toward a royal decree related to his father’s house arrest request as it did for the decree that led to the formation of the unity government.

Speaking at a press conference today, Nizar questioned the prolonged delay in implementing the addendum to the Pardons Board’s decision, which purportedly includes provisions allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

“This issue has been dragging on for far too long. The decree exists — how much longer are we going to delay its implementation?” he asked.

Nizar stressed that just as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal directive to form a unity government was accepted without dispute, the same respect should be accorded to the addendum concerning his father’s sentence.

“We honoured the royal decree for the unity government without question, and it was embraced by all parties. So what makes this decree any different?”

The addendum in question is said to be part of the January 2024 Pardons Board decision, which reduced Najib’s 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine for his conviction in the SRC International case. However, controversy has emerged over the authenticity and enforceability of the additional clause permitting house arrest.

On July 9, the Federal Court was told that Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar acknowledged the existence of the addendum in a letter dated July 2 but expressed doubt over its validity.

Meanwhile, UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently stated that the government would act on the matter in accordance with legal procedures but emphasized that the discretion ultimately rests with the Agong.

At the same press conference, Rosmadi Ismail, chairman of Kelab NKB 1Malaysia, urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take full responsibility for ensuring the royal directive is implemented without further delay.

“Najib’s contributions to Malaysia’s development are undeniable. As a citizen, he deserves equal and just treatment under the law,” Rosmadi said.

He added that failing to act on the addendum could undermine public trust in the constitutional monarchy and the integrity of Malaysia’s legal institutions.

The case continues to generate significant public interest, raising broader questions about the balance between royal authority, legal process, and political accountability in Malaysia’s democratic system.