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Malaysia Court Rejects Najib Razak’s House Arrest Bid, Citing Invalid Royal Order

The judge said the alleged royal addendum was invalid for bypassing the Pardons Board’s constitutional role.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, is escorted by prison officers on his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Azneal Ishak)
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, is escorted by prison officers on his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Azneal Ishak)
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, is escorted by prison officers on his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Azneal Ishak)
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Overview

  • High Court Justice Alice Loke dismissed Najib Razak’s judicial review, ruling the purported 2024 royal addendum allowing home detention was not made in accordance with constitutional procedure.
  • Declassified minutes from the Pardons Board’s Jan 29, 2024 meeting showed only a sentence and fine reduction was decided, with no deliberation on house arrest.
  • Najib remains in Kajang Prison with release scheduled in August 2028 after his 12-year term was halved to six years and his fine reduced to RM50 million.
  • The court noted there is no legal provision for house arrest in Malaysia and declined to compel authorities to enforce the alleged order.
  • Najib’s lawyers said they will appeal, and a separate High Court verdict due Dec 26 in a major 1MDB case could further extend his sentence; Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged respect for the ruling and restraint.