Full Breakdown
Najib Razak Remains in Prison Pending Fine Payment
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Conditional Pardon Tied to RM 50 million Fine
Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak continues to serve his sentence at Kajang Prison because the RM 50 million (US$12.3 million) fine attached to his conditional pardon has not yet been paid. A statement issued on his behalf by law firm Shafee & Co on Sept 20 clarified that his transfer to house arrest will occur only after the court-mandated payment is fulfilled.
Background & Context: Conviction, Asset Freezes, and Pardon
Najib has been incarcerated since August 23, 2022 after being convicted of misappropriating RM 42 million from the SRC International unit of the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund. Following the conviction, a large portion of his assets, bank accounts, and properties were placed under freezing orders and enforcement proceedings by the Malaysian government, limiting his ability to satisfy the fine. On Sept 18, Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, granted a conditional pardon at a Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, allowing the remainder of his sentence to be served under house arrest—subject to the fine’s payment.
Official Statements & Responses
Najib’s statement also thanked Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, UMNO president and Barisan Nasional chairman, as well as party members, supporters, family, and friends, while requesting that his family’s privacy be respected and that supporters not feel obligated to assist financially.
Data & Statistics
- RM 42 million misappropriated from SRC International (conviction basis).
- RM 50 million fine required for conditional pardon compliance (? US$12.3 million).
- Incarceration began August 23, 2022; conditional pardon issued Sept 18; latest public statement Sept 20.
What’s Next
Najib’s legal team continues to explore options for meeting the fine’s conditions. The transfer to house arrest will be authorized only after the court confirms receipt of the full RM 50 million payment. No further timeline for payment or house-arrest relocation has been disclosed.