Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Granted Permission for House Arrest

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been granted permission to remain under house arrest until August 23, 2028, after paying a fine of 50 million Malaysian Ringgit in connection with the 1MDB corruption scandal. Sultan Ibrahim has granted him “conditional pardon,” which has been confirmed by lawyers from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office. Najib was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July 2020, a sentence that was later halved, and he is currently appealing another 15-year sentence.

Kuala Lumpur, October 2 (RASAS/AFP) – Authorities announced Friday that Najib Razak, imprisoned for his involvement in the Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal, has been allowed to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest after paying a fine equivalent to 11.2 million dollars. Sultan Ibrahim has granted him a “conditional pardon.” Following this pardon, he is permitted to serve the remainder of his sentence at home until August 23, 2028, according to statements from lawyers at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office.

The conditional pardon was granted after a fine of 50 million Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 12.03 million US dollars) was paid, as detailed in a statement released by the lawyers. At the end of last year, a Malaysian judge had dismissed Najib’s request to serve the remainder of his sentence under house confinement despite the 1MDB scandal being the largest sovereign wealth fund misappropriation in history.

Najib was convicted in July 2020 for allegedly withdrawing large sums from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison, his punishment was later reduced by half, and his fine capped at 50 million Ringgit by the 1MDB pardon committee. The schedule for serving the sentence extends until August 2028.

Najib had applied for house arrest in December, which was initially rejected. Shortly after, he received an additional 15-year prison sentence linked to another 1MDB-related case. He was also fined 11.4 billion Ringgit for embezzling billions from the dormant 1MDB fund a decade ago. Najib is currently appealing the 15-year sentence, which will only begin after he completes six years of imprisonment.