PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry is ready to implement the High Court’s decision ordering former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his six-year prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry had always respected and upheld the royal pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, in accordance with the powers vested in His Majesty under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.
“The High Court today ordered that the Order of Discharge on Payment of Fine dated Nov 6 be set aside and replaced with a Conditional Pardon Order, requiring the accused to serve the remainder of his six-year prison sentence under house arrest at No. 11, Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta, Kuala Lumpur.
“Every decision made through constitutional channels must be respected and implemented in accordance with the law,” he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin Nasution said the delay in implementation was due to legal questions surrounding the interpretation of the Conditional Pardon Order and the legal implications of the release order dated Nov 6, particularly regarding the enforcement of the remaining sentence through house arrest.
“The High Court’s decision today has clarified these questions,” he said.
He said the ministry respected the Attorney General’s Chambers’ position that the legal questions needed to be clarified through judicial proceedings to ensure that every government action had a clear, proper and valid legal basis.
“As home minister, I emphasise that the responsibility of the Home Ministry and the Prisons Department is to ensure that every decision concerning the enforcement of sentences and detention is carried out in accordance with the law and valid court orders,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said the case was a high-profile matter with significant political implications and public perceptions, requiring all parties to handle it with maturity and responsibility.
He also cautioned against allowing political controversies to undermine public confidence in national institutions.
“The government will continue to defend the position and role of the Malay Rulers within the framework of the constitutional monarchy while upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and judicial independence. These principles complement one another and form the foundation of national stability,” he said.
The High Court today ordered Najib, 73, to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case under house arrest at his residence, with immediate effect.
Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin made the ruling after setting aside an order issued against Najib by the High Court Criminal Registry on Nov 6.
Under the new order, Najib will remain under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, before returning to Kajang Prison on Aug 24, 2028, to serve his prison sentence in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case.