Malaysia court rejects Najib’s bid to suspend 15-year term on October 14
Najib Razak’s 15-year term is due to begin in August 2028, while house arrest in a separate case depends on payment of a 50 million ringgit fine.
- The Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected former Prime Minister Najib Razak's bid to suspend his 15-year prison sentence and a US$2.8 billion fine.
- The judge dismissed Najib's arguments of declining health and financial hardship, ruling they did not constitute "special circumstances" for a suspension.
- The court prioritized the gravity of the 1MDB-related offenses and public interest over Najib's personal claims.
- Following the rejection, Najib's lawyers intend to submit a new application for a stay to the Court of Appeal.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak’s bid on October 14, 2026, to suspend a 15-year prison term and US$2.8 billion in fines pending appeal.
Najib was sentenced in December 2025 for abuse of power and money laundering involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the state investment fund he co-founded in 2009 while prime minister.
US investigators estimate that about US$4.5 billion was diverted from 1MDB through an international scheme, with more than US$1 billion reaching accounts linked to Najib. Najib denies wrongdoing and maintains that he was misled about the source of the money he received.
Court rejects Najib’s health and financial arguments
Najib’s lawyers cited his declining health and argued that the fines were too large for him to pay. High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin ruled that the arguments did not establish special circumstances warranting a suspension.
“The gravity of the offence is a more important public interest consideration, which this court must have regard to,” Judge Noor Ruwena said.
Najib’s lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah plans to submit a fresh application for a stay to the Court of Appeal.
Najib’s house arrest remains conditional on fine payment
Najib’s second royal pardon, granted in September 2026, permits house arrest for his earlier conviction once he pays a 50 million ringgit fine, equivalent to US$12.25 million. His separate 15-year term is due to start when the earlier sentence ends in August 2028.
Najib has been imprisoned since 2022 following an earlier conviction for corruption and money laundering. The previous king halved his original 12-year prison term in 2024.
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Najib’s political party, has launched a fundraising appeal to help pay the 50 million ringgit fine. Najib maintains that he cannot pay because his bank accounts are frozen.
Najib pardon deepens divisions in Anwar’s coalition
Najib’s September pardon has deepened disagreements within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, which includes UMNO.
Anthony Loke, transport minister and leader of the Democratic Action Party, the largest party in Anwar’s ruling coalition, offered to resign a day after Najib’s pardon was announced. Loke has said he intends to remain in the cabinet until Najib begins house arrest.
