[UPDATED] Najib says frozen assets affect RM50mil pardon condition

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said a significant part of his assets, bank accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and government enforcement proceedings, with their disposal not presently within his sole control.

His lawyers, Messrs Shafee & Co, said in a statement that the pardon granted to Najib was conditional, with his transfer to house arrest depending on the conditions being satisfied.

"As to the condition requiring payment of Ringgit Malaysia Fifty Million (RM50,000,000.00), a significant part of his assets, bank accounts and properties remains subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings by the government, and their disposal is not presently within his sole control," they said.

"His ability to satisfy the condition therefore turns in part on matters that do not lie in his own hands."

The lawyers said Najib and his legal team were studying the terms of the pardon and their practical implications.

"In the meantime, and until the fine is paid to the court, our client remains in Kajang Prison," they said.

They said Najib was taking advice and considering his options on how best to give effect to the condition.

The lawyers said Najib was also grateful to Malaysians who had come forward to offer assistance towards meeting the condition.

However, they said Najib did not want the party, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel "burdened or obliged" on his account.

"He remains profoundly grateful to those who, entirely of their own free will and according to their respective means, have chosen to offer their support and assistance," they said.

The conditional pardon was granted by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on Sept 18, allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, subject to the conditions imposed.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department said the conditional pardon would be revoked if Najib failed to comply with any of the conditions, requiring him to serve the remainder of his sentence in prison.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said Najib must first pay the RM50 million fine at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Registrar's Office before the house-arrest process can proceed.

Najib has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, after being convicted in the SRC International case.

His original 12-year prison term was reduced to six years following the earlier pardon granted in 2024, with his scheduled release date set for Aug 23, 2028.