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

The court said clemency must follow Article 42, requiring Pardons Board deliberation.

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

  • Justice Alice Loke found the alleged royal addendum unenforceable and noted Malaysia has no legal provision for house arrest.
  • Declassified minutes of the Jan 29, 2024 Pardons Board meeting showed only a sentence and fine reduction were decided, with no discussion of home detention.
  • Najib remains in Kajang Prison with release projected in August 2028 after his 12-year term was halved and his fine reduced by the Pardons Board.
  • His lawyers will appeal, while the Attorney General’s Chambers said the ruling reaffirms the king’s pardon prerogative within Article 42’s procedural requirements.
  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged restraint after UMNO anger over a DAP lawmaker’s celebratory post, as a separate 1MDB verdict is due Dec 26 on four abuse-of-power and 21 money-laundering charges.