Court Rules Former PM Not Eligible for House Arrest Because ‘House Too Big’
A Malaysian court rejected Najib Razak’s house arrest request after determining his “house” meets the legal definition of a palace.
PUTRAJAYA — The High Court today rejected former prime minister Najib Razak’s application to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, after officials confirmed that the “house” in question met the legal, and architectural criteria of a palace.
In a ruling, the court said it had carefully reviewed submissions from both parties, conducted site visits, examined floor plans, and ultimately concluded that the residence “contained too many wings to qualify as a house under any reasonable understanding of the word.”
Najib, who is currently serving time following convictions linked to the 1MDB scandal, had argued that house arrest would allow him to receive medical care, live in a controlled environment, and pose no threat to public order.
However, the court found that the proposed address included multiple halls, a private gallery, a driveway longer than some federal roads, and “at least one room whose purpose even the defence could not clearly explain.”
According to court documents, confusion arose almost immediately when judges attempted to identify the specific area where Najib would be confined.
“Counsel repeatedly referred to the ‘main house,’” said one source familiar with proceedings. “The problem is that every structure on the property appears to be the main house.”
When asked to clarify where Najib would be restricted, the defence reportedly produced a map with color-coded sections, labels such as Residential Wing A, Private Library Complex, and Outdoor Reflection Pavilion, and a footnote stating, “All areas subject to good behaviour.”
“At one point, the bench asked whether the ballroom was included,” said an observer. “The defence replied that it was ‘technically multipurpose.’ That’s when things started to unravel.”
Prosecutors argued that granting house arrest in this case would undermine public confidence in the justice system, particularly if the punishment appeared indistinguishable from a luxury lifestyle.
“The sentence imposed by the court was imprisonment,” a deputy public prosecutor said. “It was not ‘a quieter version of the same life.’”
The prosecution submitted photographs of the residence, noting features such as imported marble floors, and ceilings that required zoom lenses to photograph.
“At no point should a reasonable person look at the arrangement and think, ‘Honestly, I’d take that deal,’” the prosecution added.
In a brief statement following the decision, Najib expressed disappointment but said he respected the court’s ruling.
“I was prepared to endure house arrest with dignity,” he said. “Quiet reflection, limited movement, and only essential amenities.”
When pressed on what constituted “essential,” sources close to Najib said the list included personal staff, medical personnel, a prayer room, a study, a relaxation area, and “whatever rooms already exist.”
Supporters outside the courthouse described the decision as unfair, noting that the residence had been Najib’s home for years and that “it only looks like that because of international standards.”
Legal analysts, however, said the ruling sets an important precedent.
“It clarifies that house arrest is about restriction,” said one constitutional lawyer. “You can’t just rename a palace a house and expect the law not to notice.”
The court concluded its judgment by stating that while mercy remains an important principle in sentencing, it must be balanced against reality, and public perception.
As Najib was led away, observers noted that the courtroom itself appeared modest by comparison.
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