KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is seeking advice and considering his options as to how best to fulfil the RM50 million payment condition imposed for him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Advocates and Solicitors for Najib, Messrs Shafee & Co in a statement issued today said their client ability to satisfy the condition was partly dependent on matters beyond his sole control, as a significant part of his assets, banks accounts and properties remained subject to freezing orders and enforcement proceedings by the government.
“The pardon granted is a conditional one. As the announcement makes clear, our client’s transfer to house arrest depends upon the conditions attached being satisfied. In the meantime, and until the fine is paid to the court, our client remains in Kajang Prison.
“Our client and our legal team are presently studying those terms and their practical implications,” the statement read.
The statement said Najib expressed his highest gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for graciously exercising the royal prerogative of mercy in his favor by consenting to a conditional pardon.
Under the conditional pardon, Najib is to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine.
“Our client receives His Majesty’s decision with the utmost humility. Our client also thanks the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories for its consideration of his petition,” the statement read.
The statement said Najib expressed particular gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, as well as the leadership and members of UMNO and BN at all levels for standing by him throughout.
Najib also thanked Malaysians who have come forward to offer assistance towards meeting the condition imposed.
“While our client is deeply touched by these expressions of solidarity, he does not wish the party, its members and supporters, or members of the public to feel burdened or obliged on his account.
“Our client thanks his family, his friends and all those who have kept him in their prayers and asks that his family’s privacy be respected. We will not be commenting further at this time,” the statement read further. – BERNAMA
