In a significant legal setback for former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur has dismissed his application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. The court's ruling, delivered on Monday, 22 December 2025, centred on the validity of a purported royal order, which it found was not issued in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Court Declares Royal Order Invalid
The core of Najib Razak's legal bid rested on a rare addendum order allegedly issued by the nation's former king, Al-Sultan Abdullah. His legal team argued this order directed that he be allowed to complete his prison term under house confinement. However, the presiding judge ruled that this document was not legally valid and had not been made following the proper constitutional procedures.
This decision underscores the judiciary's role in interpreting and upholding constitutional monarchy principles in Malaysia. The court effectively stated that such a significant directive, impacting the sentence of a high-profile convict, must be transparent and procedurally flawless to be enforceable. The ruling leaves Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption linked to the multi-billion dollar 1MDB state fund scandal, to remain in Kajang Prison.
Background and Legal Implications
Najib Razak, who served as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2018, was convicted in 2020. His sentence was upheld by Malaysia's top court in 2022. The house arrest application was seen by many as a final legal avenue to alter the conditions of his imprisonment. The court's firm rejection closes this path and reinforces the finality of his original conviction.
The case has drawn intense domestic and international scrutiny, highlighting Malaysia's ongoing battle against grand corruption. The 1MDB scandal, where billions were allegedly siphoned off, implicated financial institutions across several countries and damaged Malaysia's financial reputation.
Political Repercussions and Public Sentiment
This ruling is likely to have political ramifications within Malaysia. It is seen as a test of judicial independence under the current government. For Najib Razak's supporters, the decision is a disappointment, while for many citizens, it represents a reaffirmation of accountability for those in power.
The court's emphasis on constitutional due process sends a clear message about the limits of executive and royal discretion in judicial matters. It sets a precedent for how similar orders might be treated in the future, ensuring they are subject to legal scrutiny. The former prime minister's legal team may consider further appeals, but options appear increasingly limited following this definitive High Court judgment.
