World · Singapore Bureau
Malaysia ex-PM Najib Razak to serve jail term under house arrest
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is set to be released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, following a substantial financial payment by his political party UMNO.
LSN Singapore ·
Najib Razak, who was convicted in 2023 on corruption charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, will transition from jail to house arrest after UMNO agreed to pay a significant fine as part of the conditions for his release. The party's payment of approximately S$15.7 million (RM50 million) represents one of several requirements set by Malaysian authorities to permit the former premier to complete his prison sentence at home.
The arrangement reflects ongoing legal developments in one of Southeast Asia's most high-profile corruption cases. Najib's conviction stemmed from his role in the misappropriation of billions of dollars from the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund during his tenure as prime minister from 2009 to 2018.
The house arrest provision allows Najib to serve his remaining sentence outside prison walls, subject to monitoring and other conditions imposed by the court. This development comes as Malaysia's judicial system continues to address consequences from the 1MDB affair, which has led to prosecutions and convictions of multiple former government officials and business figures.
UMNO's decision to fund the settlement underscores the party's continued support for Najib, despite the legal challenges he has faced. The former leader remains a significant political figure within Malaysia's ruling coalition.