Najib remains in prison pending RM50 million fine payment, lawyers say

KUALA LUMPUR - Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak remains in prison as he and his legal team study the conditions attached to the conditional pardon that would allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

In a statement issued on behalf of Najib, Messrs Shafee & Co said his transfer to house arrest depended on the conditions attached to the pardon being fulfilled.

"In the meantime and until the fine is paid to the court, our client remains in prison," the law firm said.

The statement said Najib had received the decision with "utmost humility" and expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, for exercising the royal prerogative of mercy in his favour.

Najib also thanked the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories for considering his petition.

The lawyers said a condition of the pardon requires Najib to pay RM50 million.

However, they said a significant portion of his assets, bank accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings by the government.

"As their disposal is not presently within his sole control, his ability to satisfy the condition therefore turns in part on matters that do not lie in his own hands," they said.

The legal team said Najib was taking advice and considering his options on how best to give effect to the condition.

It added that it was currently studying the terms of the conditional pardon and their practical implications.

Najib also expressed gratitude to Malaysians who had offered assistance towards meeting the RM50 million condition.

He said he was humbled that many people wished to stand with him.

However, Najib said he did not want Umno, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel burdened or obliged to assist him.

He expressed gratitude to those who had chosen, of their own free will and according to their means, to offer their support and assistance.

The statement was issued by Messrs Shafee & Co as solicitors for Najib.

On Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia granted a conditional pardon to Najib, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department said the decision was made at the 64th Meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, held at Istana Negara.