The Malaysian High Court has scheduled a hearing on April 17 for former prime minister Najib Razak’s request to produce an addendum order allegedly allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Najib’s lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, mentioned the need for an additional affidavit from a critical witness who is currently out of the country until after Hari Raya Puasa, which falls on April 10. Najib claims that the former king had issued the order during a Pardons Board meeting on January 29, one day before he stepped down as Malaysia’s monarch.
After the Pardons Board announced on February 2 that Najib’s jail sentence was reduced from 12 to six years and his fine was reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million, Najib alleged that he received confirmation on February 12 about an addendum order from the former king that would allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest instead of in Kajang Prison. The original conviction stemmed from charges of criminal breach of trust, power abuse, and money laundering related to the misappropriation of funds from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB, for which Najib has been imprisoned since August 23, 2022.
Najib’s claim of an addendum order allowing him to be under house arrest raised questions about the validity of the pardon process and the former king’s involvement. The identity of the critical witness supporting Najib’s application remains undisclosed, creating speculation about the credibility of Najib’s claims and the potential implications of the alleged addendum order. The legal proceedings surrounding Najib’s appeal for house arrest have attracted widespread attention and scrutiny, as they could have significant implications for his sentence and legal status.
The timing of the alleged addendum order, issued after Sultan Abdullah had stepped down as Malaysia’s monarch, adds an additional layer of complexity to Najib’s case and raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the judicial process. The controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the addendum order and the involvement of key individuals in the pardon process underscores broader issues of accountability and integrity within Malaysia’s legal and political systems. The outcome of Najib’s appeal for house arrest could have far-reaching implications for his future legal battles and political standing in the country.
Najib’s efforts to secure an addendum order for house arrest highlight his attempts to mitigate the impact of his corruption conviction and imprisonment on his personal and political reputation. The legal battle over his sentence and the alleged involvement of the former king in the pardon process underscore the complex interplay between legal, political, and personal interests in high-profile cases of corruption and abuse of power. Ultimately, the resolution of Najib’s appeal for house arrest will have significant implications for Malaysia’s legal system, political landscape, and broader efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law in the country.
