Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s request for house arrest has been rejected by the Kuala Lumpur High Court. The disgraced ex-PM is currently serving a prison sentence for corruption and had been seeking to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
The court’s decision was based on the determination that the government was not under any obligation to entertain Najib’s application for house arrest. This ruling was preceded by the dismissal of supporting affidavits submitted by two leaders of Najib’s Umno party, which the court deemed as unreliable hearsay.
Najib’s legal counsel, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and has announced intentions to appeal the ruling. Despite the setback, Najib retains the option to pursue the matter in a higher court.
Political analyst Adib Zalkapli has remarked that the court’s decision has brought momentary relief to the leaders of Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan coalition government. However, the protracted legal battles have already taken a toll on the administration, posing challenges in maintaining public support while addressing internal discord.
According to Aziff Azuddin, a research associate with Kuala Lumpur-based think tank Iman Research, Anwar’s political stability is contingent not only upon political support but also on endorsement from crucial institutions and the civil service.
Najib continues to face further legal proceedings associated with the 1MDB scandal, which revolves around the alleged misappropriation of approximately US$4.5 billion. The U.S. Department of Justice has labeled the 1MDB case as the most substantial instance of kleptocracy ever unearthed.
As Najib’s legal battles persist, the denial of his plea for house arrest underscores the enduring legal repercussions for individuals implicated in the 1MDB scandal, reaffirming Malaysia’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption.
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