Najib's possible release before GE16 remains speculation, says Nizar Najib
Nizar, who is also Pekan Umno vice-chief, said reports suggesting his father could be freed ahead of the next general election were unsubstantiated at this stage.
SHAH ALAM - Speculation that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak could be released before the 16th General Election (GE16) remains just that — a speculation — with his eldest son Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib saying the family has not been informed of any official decision.
Nizar, who is also Pekan Umno vice-chief, said reports suggesting his father could be freed ahead of the next general election were unsubstantiated at this stage.
"It is highly speculative at the moment. I don't know any more than the general public. It is up to the powers that be to decide. That much I can share," he told Sinar Daily.
When asked whether there had been any encouraging developments regarding Najib's status, Nizar said the family was unaware of any decision.
"Whether there is positive news, we don't know. To our knowledge, no decision has been made," he said.
The matter has become a major talking point within political circles and among Umno grassroots members, amid persistent rumours that Najib could be released before GE16, which some observers believe may be called as early as this year.
Najib, Malaysia's sixth prime minister, has been serving a prison sentence at Kajang Prison since August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International case involving RM42 million.
He was found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
Although originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million, his sentence was reduced by the Federal Territories Pardons Board in early 2024. His jail term was cut to six years, while the fine was reduced to RM50 million.
Beyond the SRC International case, Najib continues to face several legal proceedings linked to the wider 1MDB scandal, one of the largest financial controversies in Malaysia's history.
Despite his incarceration, Najib remains an influential figure within Umno and continues to enjoy considerable support among segments of the party's grassroots.
His "Bossku" persona has retained a loyal following years after Barisan Nasional's defeat in the 2018 general election.
For now, Nizar said the family has received no indication of any decision regarding Najib's status, leaving ongoing speculation over a possible release before GE16 unresolved.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
