A Malaysian court has authorised former prime minister Najib Razak to serve under house arrest after authorities processed a royal pardon tied to a $12 million fine, officials said.
Courts granted the move after Najib’s political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), raised the $12 million through a crowdfunding campaign to cover the fine associated with the pardon. Following the legal decision, Najib transitioned from custody to confinement at his residence under the terms set by the court.
The arrangement follows formal action by the Malaysian royal household to issue a pardon connected to the financial penalty. The court’s approval implements the pardon by allowing Najib to complete his detention period under supervised house arrest rather than in prison.
The transfer to house arrest marks a significant development in the high-profile legal case surrounding the former leader and is likely to draw continued public and political attention in Malaysia. Further administrative and legal steps by authorities will determine the precise conditions and duration of his confinement at home.