Najib May Be Home, But These 4 Strict Rules Apply During His House Arrest

On Tuesday (10 November), former Prime Minister Najib Razak returned home to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

The 73-year-old was previously sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and fined RM210 million after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. He had been imprisoned since August 2022.

Image Credit: Malaysiakini

In 2024, the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, halved his sentence from 12 years to six and reduced his fine to RM50 million. Earlier this month, UMNO announced that it had settled the RM50 million fine through a crowdfunding initiative.

Any breach of the house arrest conditions will land him straight back in prison.

During a Dewan Rakyat session on Thursday (12 November), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail detailed several conditions Najib must follow during his house arrest:

1. Not permitted to move to another residence

Image Credit: Malaysiakini

The Pardons Board’s order specifies that Najib must serve his house arrest until 23 August 2028 at his residence at No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta. He is not allowed to move to another house, building, or premises without prior written permission.

2. Not allowed to live with anyone outside his immediate family

The conditions stipulate that the former Prime Minister cannot live with anyone other than his immediate family members—comprising his wife, children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren—unless prior written approval is obtained. Furthermore, visitors are not permitted without authorisation.

3. Only allowed to use devices registered with the Prisons Department

Najib also faces communication restrictions. He is only permitted to use telephones and telecommunication devices registered with the Prisons Department, enabling prison authorities to verify his whereabouts at his residence.

4. Prohibited from appearing on social media or in media coverage

Throughout his house arrest, Najib is barred from appearing in any media coverage or on social media platforms. He is also prohibited from making statements or comments to the media, attending public functions, or taking part in any political activities.

It is understood that these conditions had been read out to Najib two days before he was released from prison and transferred to his residence.

Image Credit: NST

In a report, Saifuddin said the Prisons Department has the authority under the Prison Act to impose additional conditions governing supervision, control, instructions, and procedures.

Should he fail to comply with any of the stipulated conditions, Najib will be immediately returned to Kajang Prison or another facility designated by the Prisons Department’s Commissioner-General.

Featured Image Credit: Al Jazeera, The Sun Malaysia