KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak is working to meet the conditions needed to begin house arrest, his lawyers said on Sunday.
A key condition requires Najib to pay a 50 million ringgit ($12 million) fine. His lawyers said they are working to meet the requirements for his transfer from prison to home detention.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim agreed on September 18 to allow Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. The arrangement can run until August 23, 2028, subject to the stated conditions.
Lawyers Cite Frozen Assets
Najib’s legal team said paying the fine remains difficult because many of his assets, bank accounts and properties face freeze orders and other government enforcement measures.
The lawyers said Najib has also been deeply moved by public support since the house arrest decision.
Najib served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 2009 to 2018. He was convicted in the SRC International case linked to the wider 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB, scandal.
He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Government Awaits Official Notice
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Prisons Department and Home Ministry are still waiting for formal written confirmation of the Pardons Board’s decision.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government needs the official document before it can take further action. The document will clarify the conditions and legal process for the house arrest.
Malaysia’s attorney general has also said the Prisons Department will issue rules for the house arrest. These rules are expected to cover visits, security and monitoring of Najib’s movements.
UMNO Supporters Plan Fundraising
Najib’s UMNO party has also moved to help him pay the fine.
UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party would launch a collection fund for members and supporters. Local reports said the fund had raised almost 1 million ringgit by Saturday noon.
Najib remains an influential figure within UMNO, which is part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition government. The house arrest decision has also exposed tensions within the coalition over corruption and Najib’s case.
