Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak has asked the Kuala Lumpur High Court to delay the enforcement of his 15-year prison sentence and a multibillion-ringgit fine arising from his conviction in the 1MDB case. The application was brought before High Court Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin during a case-management hearing on September 25. Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, informed the court that a certificate of urgency had also been filed in connection with the application. The court subsequently fixed October 14 as the date for hearing Najib’s request. The judge also indicated that written submissions could be filed before the hearing date. The prosecution has said it intends to respond to the application.

Court Sentence Involved 15 Years In Prison

The case concerns allegations involving funds linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad, better known as 1MDB. In December 2025, the High Court sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of four charges involving abuse of power and 21 money-laundering charges. The court also imposed a fine of about RM11.4 billion. The prison sentences on the individual charges were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 15-year term for the case. The charges related to approximately RM2.28 billion in funds that prosecutors said had been transferred into accounts connected to Najib. The former prime minister subsequently filed an appeal against the conviction and sentence at Malaysia’s Court of Appeal. His latest application is therefore focused on whether enforcement of the sentence and financial penalty should be paused while the appeal process continues.

When Will Najib’s 15-Year Sentence Begin?

The High Court ordered that the 15-year sentence in the Najib Razak 1MDB case should begin after he completes his existing prison term in a separate SRC International case. That existing sentence relates to the misappropriation of RM42 million belonging to SRC International. According to current court reporting, the existing term is scheduled to end on August 23, 2028, meaning the 15-year sentence from the 1MDB case is presently set to follow it. Najib’s lawyers are now asking the court to intervene before that sentence takes effect. The October 14 hearing will give both sides an opportunity to present their legal arguments regarding the requested stay.

Conditional Pardon And House Arrest Issue

The latest legal development comes shortly after Najib received a conditional pardon from Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim. The decision allows him to serve the remainder of his existing SRC International sentence under house arrest, subject to conditions that include payment of a RM50 million fine. Reports have said the arrangement would run until August 23, 2028, the date his existing sentence is scheduled to end. However, the house-arrest arrangement and the separate 1MDB sentence are distinct legal matters. Najib’s new application concerns the enforcement of the 15-year sentence and the fine imposed in the 1MDB case. His legal team has also raised concerns about his ability to meet the RM50 million condition connected to the house-arrest arrangement, saying that some of his assets and accounts remain subject to restrictions and enforcement proceedings.

What Happens On October 14?

The October 14 hearing will focus on Najib’s request for a stay of execution. The prosecution is expected to file its response before the hearing, while Najib’s lawyers will present their arguments in support of the application. The court’s decision on the stay request will determine whether enforcement of the relevant sentence and financial penalty can be paused while the appeal process moves forward. The application does not itself overturn the conviction. The proceedings are being closely followed because the case remains part of the wider legal fallout from the 1MDB scandal, one of Malaysia’s most significant financial corruption cases.

Why The 1MDB Case Remains Important

The 1MDB case is connected to the financial affairs of 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a Malaysian state investment fund that became the focus of investigations in Malaysia and several other countries. Najib has faced multiple legal proceedings connected with funds associated with SRC International and 1MDB. His current prison status and the separate sentence arising from the latest conviction have therefore developed through more than one court case. For now, the next major date in the latest proceedings is October 14, when the Kuala Lumpur High Court is scheduled to hear Najib’s application for a stay.

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Key Developments At A Glance

Najib Razak has asked the High Court to delay enforcement of his 15-year prison sentence and RM11.4 billion fine connected to the Malaysia corruption case. The application was filed while his appeal against the conviction remains pending.

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