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High Court Rejects Najib Razak’s House-Arrest Bid, Ruling Royal Addendum Invalid

The judge said clemency must follow the constitution’s Pardons Board process.

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

  • The Kuala Lumpur High Court found the alleged 2024 royal addendum had no legal effect because it was not deliberated by the Pardons Board, citing declassified board minutes.
  • Justice Alice Loke said there is no legal provision for house arrest in Malaysia and dismissed Najib Razak’s judicial review.
  • Najib will continue serving his sentence at Kajang Prison, with release scheduled for August 2028 after his 12-year term was halved by the Pardons Board.
  • Najib’s legal team said it will appeal the decision.
  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged respect for the judiciary and restraint after UMNO leaders condemned a DAP lawmaker’s celebratory post, and a separate 1MDB verdict is scheduled for Dec 26.