Malaysia’s AG Blocks Razak’s House Arrest Transfer

News Desk

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Attorney General has denied former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s request to serve the remainder of his graft sentence under house arrest, citing the need for further clarification regarding his royal pardon.

The 73-year-old Najib, who was imprisoned for his involvement in the massive 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, was granted a conditional pardon by King Sultan Ibrahim in September, allowing him to serve his sentence at home if he paid a $12 million fine.

His political party confirmed on Friday that the fine had been paid.

However, the Attorney General’s office announced a temporary suspension of the house arrest execution, stating that Najib would continue to serve his sentence in prison while investigations into the terms of his pardon are conducted.

The statement emphasized that his detention status would remain unchanged, pending further instructions from relevant authorities.

Najib’s legal team has expressed strong opposition to the Attorney General’s decision, asserting that the process for his release into house arrest was already in motion and calling for immediate action to rectify the situation.