PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Jan 6: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, currently imprisoned, received a favorable ruling on Monday, allowing him to appeal for house arrest to complete his corruption sentence.
In April of last year, Najib filed an application claiming he had credible information that the then-King, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had issued an addendum order for him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home. He asserted that this addendum was drafted during a pardons board meeting on January 29, which also halved his 12-year prison term and significantly reduced his fine. However, the High Court dismissed his request three months later.
On Monday, the Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of allowing the High Court to reconsider the case based on new evidence presented by Najib’s attorney, including a letter from an official at Pahang’s state palace, verifying the existence of the addendum order.
“We are pleased that Najib has achieved this victory,” said his lawyer, Mohamad Shafee Abdullah. “He feels happy and relieved that some recognition of the injustice he faced has been acknowledged.”
Upon hearing the ruling, Najib responded with a thumbs-up in court. His attorney criticized the government for allegedly hiding the addendum order, and mentioned that a new judge will now review the case.
In his application, Najib accused several officials, including the pardons board members and the home minister, of deliberately concealing the sultan’s order “in bad faith.” Sultan Abdullah, who concluded his five-year reign on January 30 last year under Malaysia’s rotating monarchy system, is from Najib’s hometown in Pahang.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated he was unaware of such an order, as he is not a member of the pardons board. Other officials named in Najib’s application have not publicly commented.
Now 71, Najib served less than two years of his sentence prior to it being commuted by the pardons board. His current sentence is set to be completed by August 23, 2028. He was found guilty in connection with a corruption case involving the massive embezzlement from the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
While the pardons board has not provided any reasons for its decision, the lack of transparency has led to public outcry, with critics alleging that Najib enjoys preferential treatment compared to other inmates.
Najib established the 1MDB development fund shortly after taking office in 2009. Investigations have revealed that at least $4.5 billion was allegedly misappropriated from the fund and laundered by associates of Najib through numerous bank accounts across the U.S. and other nations, funding Hollywood films and luxury acquisitions including hotels, a yacht, artworks, and jewelry. Over $700 million ended up in Najib’s personal bank accounts.
Najib is still contesting corruption charges in the primary trial directly tied to the scandal. (AP)
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