Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made his first public appearance at the Kuala Lumpur court complex on Sept 25, following a conditional pardon granted by the Federal Territories Pardons Board that allows him to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest rather than behind bars. The 73-year-old politician arrived at 8.30am wearing a light grey suit and white shirt, escorted by Prisons Department officers under tight security.
Court Appearance for 1MDB Case Mention
Najib appeared before High Court judge Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nordin for a scheduled case mention relating to the RM2.6bil 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) graft case. On Dec 25 of the previous year, the High Court convicted Najib on all 25 charges in the 1MDB trial, finding him guilty of using his position to obtain RM2.28bil in gratification from 1MDB funds alongside 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount.
House Arrest Status and Conditions
Despite the Pardons Board’s decision announced on Sept 18, Najib remains incarcerated at Kajang Prison. His transfer to house arrest, slated to run until Aug 23, 2028, has not yet occurred because mandatory conditions attached to the pardon—including the payment of a RM50 million fine—have not been fulfilled. Prisons Department officers transported him from Kajang Prison for Friday’s court proceedings, where some guards wore black tactical gear.
Did you know? The conditional pardon specifically applies to Najib’s SRC International Sdn Bhd case, distinct from ongoing proceedings tied to the separate 1MDB trial.
Family Presence at the Complex
Nooryana Najwa, Najib’s daughter and Puteri Umno information chief, arrived at the court complex at approximately 9.50am, accompanied by her young son. When reporters asked how she was outside the courtroom, she replied, “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to Allah). When questioned by media regarding the RM50 million fund required to pay the outstanding fine, she stated, “I don’t know.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t Najib Razak been transferred to house arrest yet?
His transfer is delayed because the conditions attached to his conditional pardon, such as settling the RM50 million fine, have not yet been met. He remains held at Kajang Prison.
Which case brought Najib to court on Sept 25?
He appeared before High Court judge Justice Noor Ruwena Md Nordin for a case mention concerning the RM2.6bil 1MDB graft trial.
What was the Pardons Board decision?
Announced on Sept 18, the Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon permitting him to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
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