Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Several Malaysian Prisons Department officers visited the Taman Duta residence of former prime minister Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur following the announcement of a conditional pardon that allows him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Two prison department vehicles were seen entering the residential compound at around 9.40am, according to reports. The officers reportedly spent around 15 minutes examining the surroundings before entering the house. The visit was reportedly aimed at assessing whether the residence was suitable for the former prime minister to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. The development came shortly after Malaysia’s Pardons Board decision concerning Najib’s remaining prison term.

Conditional Pardon Allows House Arrest

Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, granted Najib a conditional pardon following the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board. Under the decision, Najib is allowed to serve the remainder of his six-year prison sentence at home until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine. The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said the conditions must be followed, otherwise the conditional pardon can be revoked and Najib would have to return to prison to serve the remaining sentence. Najib, 73, has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction in the SRC International case. The original 12-year sentence and RM210 million fine were reduced by the Pardons Board in February 2024 to six years and RM50 million respectively.

Assessment Of Taman Duta Residence

The presence of prison officers at the Taman Duta property indicates that authorities are examining practical arrangements connected with the proposed Najib house arrest. The officers were reportedly seen moving around the property before entering the residence. The inspection is understood to be part of the process of determining whether the home can meet the requirements associated with serving a prison sentence outside a correctional facility. The reported visit followed the official announcement of the conditional pardon and the house-arrest arrangement. The residence has attracted considerable attention since the decision was announced, with local and international media gathering around the property. Bernama reported that more than 50 media personnel had gathered at Najib’s residence after the announcement, while police vehicles were also seen at the location.

Najib’s Prison Sentence And SRC International Case

Najib has been serving the six-year sentence linked to the SRC International case, involving the misappropriation of RM42 million. The conditional pardon does not mean that all legal proceedings involving Najib have ended. Bernama reported that he continues to face other legal proceedings, including an appeal related to a separate 1MDB case. The latest decision specifically concerns the remainder of the six-year sentence covered by the conditional pardon. According to the official announcement, the house-arrest arrangement is scheduled to continue until Aug 23, 2028, provided the conditions attached to the pardon are fulfilled.

Kajang Prison Also Draws Media Attention

Kajang Prison, where Najib has been serving his sentence, also became a focus of media attention after the pardon announcement. Bernama reported that Malaysian Prisons Department personnel put restrictions along the access road to the prison's main entrance. Media representatives gathered outside the facility while waiting for developments concerning Najib's status. At the same time, attention shifted to his Taman Duta residence, where authorities were reportedly assessing the property. The movement of prison department personnel to the residence marks an important administrative step following the announcement that Najib may serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

House Arrest Remains Subject To Conditions

The conditional pardon comes with specific requirements. The official statement said Najib must comply with the conditions imposed as part of the decision. The most prominent condition publicly announced is payment of the RM50 million fine. If the conditions are not met, the conditional pardon can be revoked and the remaining sentence would have to be served in prison. The reported inspection of the Taman Duta property therefore comes as authorities begin dealing with the practical arrangements surrounding the house-arrest decision. The next steps will determine how the arrangement is implemented at the residence.

Read Also: Six Charged In Absentia Over KL Luxury Condo Armed Robbery

Other Legal Proceedings Remain Separate

The house-arrest decision concerns the six-year sentence in the SRC International case. It does not automatically conclude other cases involving Najib. Bernama reported that Najib remains involved in other legal proceedings, including an appeal concerning his 1MDB conviction. This distinction is important because the conditional pardon announced on Sept 18 applies to the specified sentence and its remaining term. For now, authorities are working on the arrangements linked to the conditional pardon, while Najib's Taman Duta residence is being assessed for suitability.

#world news #Global News #Asia News #Malaysia News