KUALA LUMPUR – Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who received a conditional pardon on Friday, will remain in Kajang Prison as his ability to pay the RM50 million fine is beyond his control.
His lawyers, Messrs Shafee & Co., said in a statement that this was because a significant portion of Najib’s assets, bank accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings by the government, and their disposal was not presently within his sole control.
As such, they said, Najib’s ability to fulfil the condition depended in part on matters that were beyond his control.
“The pardon granted is a conditional one. As the announcement makes clear, our client’s transfer to house arrest depends upon the conditions attached being satisfied.
“In the meantime, and until the fine is paid to the court, our client remains in Kajang Prison. Our client and our legal team are presently studying those terms and their practical implications,” they said.
On Friday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim consented to grant Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
According to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, the conditional pardon was decided at the 64th Meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine and compliance with the stipulated conditions.
Following this, Umno launched the Najib Solidarity Fund to assist Najib in paying the RM50 million fine imposed as a condition for him to serve the remainder of his corruption sentence under house arrest.
As of Saturday, Umno had raised RM1 million.
Meanwhile, Najib’s lawyers said the former Pekan MP was also deeply moved by the outpouring of support he had received from Umno and members of the public since the announcement.
However, they said that despite being deeply touched by the expressions of solidarity, Najib did not want the party, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel burdened or obliged on his account.
“He remains profoundly grateful to those who, entirely of their own free will and according to their respective means, have chosen to offer their support and assistance. Their kindness is a source of great strength to him at this time,” they said.
His lawyers also said Najib had expressed particular gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as the leadership and members of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), who had stood by him throughout.
“Our client is likewise grateful to the many Malaysians who have come forward to offer assistance towards meeting the condition imposed. He is humbled that so many should wish to stand with him.
“While our client is deeply touched by these expressions of solidarity, he does not wish the party, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel burdened or obliged on his account,” they said.
Najib also expressed his gratitude to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for graciously exercising the royal prerogative of mercy in his favour by consenting to a conditional pardon that allows him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
“Our client receives His Majesty’s decision with the utmost humility.
“Our client also thanks the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories for its consideration of his petition,” they said, adding that they would not be commenting further at this time. – September 20, 2026