Malaysia Imposes Strict Conditions on Former Prime Minister Najib Razak House Arrest

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak must adhere to strict home detention rules, including a total ban on political activities and social media, as he serves the remainder of his prison sentence.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told Parliament on Thursday that Najib is prohibited from using personal mobile phones and cannot leave his Kuala Lumpur residence without written authorization.

The conditions, which apply until August 23, 2028, also restrict visitors and residents to immediate family members, unless prior written consent is granted by the authorities.

The government’s clarification follows weeks of public speculation and legal uncertainty regarding the terms of the conditional pardon granted to the 73-year-old former leader.

“The Pardons Board specifies who is permitted to stay; only those individuals may reside there. Beyond that, prior written permission is required,” said Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Home Minister.

Najib is permitted to leave his home only for Friday prayers, during which he will be transported by the Prisons Department, according to the minister.

Saifuddin also confirmed that Najib had requested a second residence for his house arrest, but the request was rejected by the Pardons Board.

“If the conditions are breached, the person will be immediately returned to Kajang Prison or any other prison determined by the Commissioner-General,” said Saifuddin.

While the government outlined these restrictions, the Attorney General’s Chambers is currently objecting to a legal challenge filed by the Malaysian Bar regarding the legality of the house arrest order.

The Bar argues that house arrest is not provided for under Malaysian criminal law and appears to be tailored specifically for one individual.

Senior Federal Counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly told the High Court that the Attorney General’s Chambers contends the decision is non-justiciable because it relates to a royal pardon.

“That is the stand we will be taking, Yang Arif. But we need time to file in our written submissions and put our objections in a proper way,” said Ahmad Hanir Hambaly.

The court has scheduled the hearing for the legal challenge on March 17, with both parties ordered to file their submissions by the end of December.

Meanwhile, political analysts suggest the controversy may influence voter turnout in the upcoming Melaka state election, as supporters and critics of the former prime minister react to the situation.

It remains unclear how authorities will enforce the political ban, particularly regarding messages relayed by family members on Najib’s behalf during ongoing election campaigns.