Government seeks delay in Bar Council challenge to Najib house arrest

Senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly informed the High Court on Wednesday that the government requires time to examine the Bar Council's cause papers and prepare an appropriate response to the latest court filing.

The development marks the latest chapter in ongoing legal proceedings surrounding restrictions imposed on Najib following his conviction in connection with the 1MDB scandal. The Bar Council has mounted successive court challenges contesting the conditions of his detention.

The High Court heard submissions from both the government's legal representatives and counsel for the Bar Council during the hearing. No date for the next stage of proceedings was immediately confirmed.

Najib's legal status and the conditions governing his movements have remained a subject of considerable scrutiny and legal contestation since his high-profile trial concluded. The Bar Council has consistently argued that certain restrictions require judicial review and clarification.

The matter is expected to return before the courts as the Attorney-General's Chambers completes its review of the Bar Council's submissions and files its formal response.