Malaysia says royal document granting home detention for jailed ex-PM

8/1/2025 18:30

A purported royal document allowing Malaysia's jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest was never hidden, the communications minister said on Wednesday.



Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the government spokesperson, told a regular press briefing he was never informed or received such a document.



The palace of Malaysia's former king, who granted Najib a pardon and reduced sentence last year before stepping down, on Jan. 4 issued and later confirmed the authenticity of a letter saying the document existed. Najib's legal team says the government has ignored it.



The Court of Appeal on Monday overturned the dismissal of Najib's legal attempt to access the document that he says should allow him to serve the rest of his term at home. The case will go back to court to be heard by another judge.



Fahmi said the government was bound by the principle of subjudice and would leave the former premier's case to the judicial process.