Malaysia bars former prime minister Najib Razak from political activity during house arrest

Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told parliament that former prime minister Najib Razak is prohibited from taking part in political activities, making media statements or using social media while serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. The restrictions are part of a conditional royal pardon granted by Sultan Ibrahim in September, which also requires Najah to remain at his residence at No 11 Jalan Langgak Duta and limits his visitors to immediate family members.

"Any breach of the conditions will result in Najib being immediately returned to prison," Saifuddin said in response to parliamentary questions.

Najib, 73, began his house arrest on Tuesday after a High Court cancelled an earlier discharge order and issued a new conditional release order. The pardon allows him to stay at home until his scheduled release on 23 August 2028, provided he complies with four categories of conditions covering residence, movement, telecommunications and participation in rehabilitation programmes.

A request by Najib for a second residence was rejected because the Pardons Board specified only the Jalan Langgak Duta property. He may not leave the house without written approval, although prison officers will escort him to Friday prayers. Only phones registered with the Prisons Department may be used for monitoring his presence.

Three prison officers are assigned to each shift at the residence, with three daily shifts, and police maintain additional surveillance. The Home Ministry says the arrangements are intended as a template for future house-arrest cases, not solely for Najib. His pension payments have been stopped, though he continues to receive other benefits accorded to former prime ministers under existing regulations.