ISTANBUL: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has cautioned against further delays in implementing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest.
He said the Attorney-General’s Chambers is responsible for interpreting the law and constitutional provisions, and as such, there was no need to bring the matter back to court.
“There is no need for clarification from the courts as the implementation is based on a decision conclusively made by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“In my view, the Pardons Board’s decision must be fully complied with, as the Attorney-General (A-G) had issued a statement saying that once the RM50 million fine was paid, the board’s directive and decision would automatically take effect,” he told Malaysian media at the conclusion of his visit to Türkiye today.
Zahid said he respects the legal institutions and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, but their credibility must be protected to maintain public confidence.
He welcomed the A-G’s move to seek an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, over the issue.
“However, Istana Negara’s statement was crystal clear on the King’s powers under the Federal Constitution.
“His Majesty’s prerogative as chairman of the Pardons Board should not be questioned.”
On Friday, Umno confirmed that the RM50 million fine imposed on Najib had been paid at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, paving the way for the implementation of house arrest under the terms of his conditional pardon.
A-G Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has also sought an audience with the King to explain his position on complying with the royal decree concerning Najib’s Conditional Pardon Order.
Dusuki is also expected to explain the legal questions arising from the High Court’s Release Order following payment of the RM50 million fine, which was a precondition for Najib’s house arrest.
On Sept 18, the Federal Territories Pardons Board announced that the King had consented to a conditional pardon at the board’s 64th meeting.
His Majesty consented to Najib serving the remainder of his six-year sentence under house arrest, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine for his SRC International case.
The board said Najib must comply with all conditions to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
Najib has been serving a reduced six-year prison sentence at Kajang Prison after the board halved his original 12-year sentence in February 2024.
The initial RM210 million fine was also reduced to RM50 million.
Najib is serving the sentence after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the case on Aug 23, 2022.
He was found guilty of seven charges involving abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering over RM42 million belonging to SRC International, a former unit of 1Malaysia Development Bhd. He was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and fined RM210 million.