Najib Razak must pay 50 million ringgit fine to leave prison

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak will stay behind bars at Kajang Prison until he settles a 50 million ringgit (US$12.3 million) fine tied to his conditional pardon, he announced.

The penalty must be paid to the court before Najib can be moved to house arrest, according to a statement issued on his behalf by Messrs Shafee & Co. He and his legal team are currently examining the terms of the pardon and their practical implications, the statement said.

Conditional Pardon Stalls Transfer

Najib's transfer to house arrest hinges on fulfilling the conditions attached to his "conditional pardon," with the fine payment being a key requirement. A significant portion of his assets and bank accounts remain frozen, complicating his ability to pay the penalty.

The former prime minister made the announcement as he weighs how to meet the financial obligation while his funds remain inaccessible. The statement clarified that until the court receives the full payment, Najib will continue serving time at Kajang Prison.

His legal representatives at Messrs Shafee & Co issued the statement on his behalf, outlining his current situation and next steps.

Source: South China Morning Post