Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Najib Razak's House Arrest Bid Rejected
Najib Razak, a former leader of Malaysia, is in trouble for a big financial scandal called 1MDB.
He was sent to jail in 2022 for taking money he shouldn't have.
The court recently decided that he cannot stay at home instead of jail because the royal order allowing this was not valid.
Najib says he was tricked by others and did not do anything wrong.
On December 26, the court will decide if he did more bad things with money.
If he is found guilty, he could go to jail for a very long time.
Many people are watching to see if the current leader, Anwar Ibrahim, will keep his promise to fight corruption.
A Malaysian court rejected former Prime Minister Najib Razak's bid to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest.
The court ruled that the royal order allowing house arrest was invalid as it was not made according to constitutional procedures.
Najib's lawyer plans to appeal the verdict, and Najib will serve the remainder of his term in prison until August 2028.
On December 26, the court will rule on four corruption and 21 money laundering charges involving 2.2 billion ringgit from the 1MDB scandal.
If found guilty, Najib faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of abuse of power and up to five years for each money laundering charge.
- Who
- Najib Razak, former Prime Minister of Malaysia
- What
- Court rulings on house arrest and additional corruption charges related to the 1MDB scandal
- When
- December 22 (House Arrest Ruling), December 26 (1MDB Trial Verdict)
- Where
- Kuala Lumpur High Court, Malaysia
- Why
- To determine if Najib can serve his sentence under house arrest and to decide on additional corruption and money laundering charges
Najib Razak's Defense
Malaysian Court and Government
Validity of Royal Order
Najib Razak's Defense
Najib claims a royal addendum order allows him to serve his sentence under house arrest.
Malaysian Court and Government
The court ruled the royal order was invalid as it was not made according to constitutional procedures.
Guilt in 1MDB Scandal
Najib Razak's Defense
Najib denies wrongdoing, alleging he was misled by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho.
Malaysian Court and Government
The government and court maintain Najib's involvement in the 1MDB scandal and his guilt in the related charges.
- Person
- Najib Razak
- Role
- Former Prime Minister of Malaysia
- Scandal
- 1MDB
- Current Status
- In prison since 2022
- Sentence
- 12-year jail sentence halved in 2023
- Key Dates
- December 22 (House Arrest Ruling), December 26 (1MDB Trial Verdict)
- Alleged Misappropriation
- 2.2 billion ringgit ($538.69 million)
- Potential Additional Sentence
- Up to 20 years per charge
Sources
Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib to face two key court rulings in 1MDB saga
Malaysia court denies ex-PM Najib’s bid to serve jail sentence at home
Malaysia court dismisses ex-PM’s bid to serve sentence under house arrest
Malaysian Court Rejects Ex-Prime Minister’s Bid for House Arrest