'Still in Good Spirits’: Najib working on PhD as family marks third Hari Raya without him

SHAH ALAM – Celebrating Hari Raya for the third year in a row without former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been emotionally taxing for his family, his eldest son Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib admits.

Speaking on Sinar Daily’s Top News Podcast titled 'Politics Meets Progress' podcast recently, Nizar shared how the family continues to cope despite public scrutiny and personal pain.

“It's been a challenge. It’s our third Raya behind the iron curtain so he's still in good spirits. He’s staying fit and keeping busy in Kajang.

“In fact, he’s enrolled in a PhD program focused on economic transformation, which keeps his mind sharp and engaged. He’s staying resilient and positive,” he said.

Nizar during Sinar Daily's "Politics Meets Progress: Interview with Datuk Nizar Najib" podcast on April 14. Photo by ROSLI TALIB

Nizar, who is the Pahang Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation state exco, added that he continually prays for his father’s ease and clings to the hope of reuniting soon. “We know things can shift quickly, so we remain optimistic,” he said, despite the grim circumstances.

When asked how the family has been holding up, Nizar was candid: 'the spotlight has been harsh'.

“There’s been a lot of humiliation, insults and constant accusations but we draw strength from my father’s resilience. Through everything - court trials, media scrutiny - he has stayed calm and stoic."

“We draw strength from my father’s resilience,” Nizar, who is also the Pekan Umno vice-chief said.

Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence facing multiple charges related to abuse of position and money laundering involving nearly RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). He was convicted and sentenced in connection with these charges, which include four counts of abusing his position to receive bribes and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

There has been political discussion and speculation about his potential early release or house arrest but as of late 2024 and early 2025, Najib remains in prison serving his sentence.

Back in January, Nizar publicly addressed the issue of Najib's early release or house arrest where he produced a letter purportedly from office of the Sultan of Pahang verifying the existence of a royal addendum dated Jan 29, 2024, which allegedly allows Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

Nizar affirmed an affidavit stating he received permission to produce this original copy of the addendum, which is part of Najib's ongoing legal challenge to serve his sentence at home.