Former prime minister Najib Razak is still looking for ways to pay the RM50 million fine imposed on him as part of the conditions of his conditional pardon.
According to a statement issued by his counsel, Shafee & Co, on Sunday, Najib will remain in Kajang Prison until the fine is paid to the court.
However, the law firm said a “significant part” of Najib’s assets, bank accounts and properties remain frozen by the authorities.
“In those circumstances, our client is presently taking advice and considering his options as to how best to give effect to the condition,” the statement read.
Najib considers options over conditional pardon
The statement followed a further royal clemency for Najib, who has been convicted twice of serious offences.
He was allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 2028 following a Pardons Board meeting on Friday chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
Since the announcement, Umno has launched a donation drive to help its former president pay the fine.
According to Shafee & Co, Najib expressed his gratitude to the King for the mercy and thanked Umno leaders and members for their support.
The law firm also said Najib and his legal team were studying the undisclosed terms of the conditional pardon.
“Our client thanks his family, his friends and all those who have kept him in their prayers and asks that his family’s privacy be respected,” the firm said.
It added that it would not comment further for now.
Najib’s convictions and sentences
Najib has been imprisoned since August 2022 after being found guilty at all levels of the judiciary. He also faces numerous ongoing civil cases.
In the SRC International Sdn Bhd case involving RM42 million, he was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million.
The sentence was reduced in 2024 by the previous King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Najib was subsequently found guilty in a separate and more serious case involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in that case, which is to be served after he completes his sentence for the SRC conviction.
The 1MDB case is currently under appeal.
