Post by : Badri Ariffin

Former PM Najib Razak, aged 72, has lost his bid to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur rejected his judicial review.

Currently, Najib is serving a six-year sentence linked to corruption charges stemming from the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, which led to global investigations.

Court Finds No Legal Justification for House Arrest

Najib's legal representatives claimed that a purported “royal addendum” from Malaysia’s previous king permitted his home confinement. However, Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching dismissed this assertion, emphasizing that such a royal document doesn't hold legal weight. “There is no provision for house arrest under Malaysian law,” she stated, noting the court's inability to grant this kind of relief.

As a result, the application for judicial review was denied.

Reaction from Najib

Dressed sharply in a grey suit, Najib appeared visibly dismayed when the ruling was announced. His attorney, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, conveyed that Najib plans to appeal, pointing out that he felt “very disappointed” by the outcome.

Context: SRC International Case

Najib’s original sentence of 12 years in prison for misappropriating 42 million ringgit from SRC International, a subsidiary of 1MDB, was reduced to six years by a pardon committee.

Significant Verdict Looming

Najib now confronts a more serious legal challenge, with a verdict expected soon in a separate 1MDB-related trial viewed as pivotal for his future. He faces:

• Four counts of power abuse involving 2.28 billion ringgit.

• 21 counts of money laundering.

Each count of abuse of power carries a potential 20-year prison sentence along with hefty fines.

Claims From Prosecution and Defence

Prosecutors assert that Najib exploited his roles—prime minister, finance minister, and chair of 1MDB’s advisory board—to siphon vast sums for personal gain. Their case is bolstered by bank records, official documentation, and testimonies from over 50 witnesses.

On the other hand, Najib’s defence blames the fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, who is alleged to have masterminded this scheme while evading capture. Low is accused of using illicit funds to acquire luxury properties, a luxury jet, a yacht, and valuable artworks, including pieces by Monet and Van Gogh.

Political Consequences and Public Response

The 1MDB scandal significantly contributed to Najib’s defeat during the 2018 elections, effectively ending the long-standing rule of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Despite acknowledging the scandal's existence under his administration, Najib continuously denies any involvement in illegal financial activities.

If he is found guilty in the upcoming trial, Najib could face an extended prison term, further eroding his political power and harming UMNO’s reputation.

#Global News