World · Singapore Bureau
Najib remains imprisoned as $15.7m fine deadline looms
Malaysia's former prime minister has not paid a substantial fine required under the terms of his conditional pardon, which would otherwise permit house arrest until 2028. Without settlement of the amount, Najib is expected to remain incarcerated.
LSN Singapore ·
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak continues to serve his prison sentence after failing to settle a 15.7 million ringgit fine tied to his conditional royal pardon, according to official records.
Under the terms of the pardon granted in 2023, Najib was eligible for house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he paid the outstanding fine. The financial obligation remains unpaid, effectively keeping him in detention.
Najib was convicted in 2023 of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, one of the largest financial fraud cases in Asian history. The conditional pardon reduced his sentence but remained contingent on full payment of the fine.
The situation underscores the conditions placed on his release by Malaysian authorities. Without the financial settlement, Najib's path to house arrest—the more lenient alternative available under the pardon—remains blocked.
No statement has been issued regarding efforts to resolve the outstanding payment or any timeline for settlement.