House Arrest: Najib Faces Strict Restrictions, Immediate Revocation For Any Breach - Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is subject to various strict restrictions while serving the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, with any breach resulting in the immediate revocation of the arrangement, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Najib was barred from engaging in political activities, making media statements, appearing on social media or leaving his designated residence without written permission.

He said the restrictions were imposed under a conditional pardon granted by the Pardons Board on Sept 18, covering residence and social interactions, movement and visitors, telecommunications use, and mandatory rehabilitation programmes, alongside additional controls enforced by the Malaysian Prisons Department.

“The Pardons Board’s decision clearly specifies the residence at No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta. The Home Ministry, exercising the minister’s powers under Section 3 of the Prisons Act, merely gazetted the premises.

“He is not allowed to move to another house, building or premises, or leave the designated address without written permission,” the minister said in reply to Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai), who sought details of the conditions imposed on Najib and the agencies responsible for monitoring compliance.

Saifuddin said Najib was permitted to live only with immediate family members, including his wife, children, children-in-law and grandchildren, while visits by outsiders required prior written approval.

The former Pekan MP is also restricted to telecommunications devices registered with the Prisons Department for location verification purposes, and prohibited from making media statements or comments, appearing on social media platforms, attending public gatherings or participating in political activities.

Saifuddin said the ministry had also rejected Najib's written request to include another residence under the house arrest arrangement, as the Pardons Board's order specified only one premises.

Responding to Suhaizan's concerns over perceptions of double standards or a two-tier justice system, the minister stressed that the right to seek a pardon under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution was available to all Malaysians, regardless of status.

The Home Ministry and Prisons Department were merely implementing the Pardons Board's decision in accordance with the law, he said.

The minister said he was also prepared to bring a proposal to declassify the Pardons Board meeting minutes relating to Najib’s case to the Cabinet tomorrow, adding that the move could provide the public with a clearer understanding of the decision.

-- BERNAMA