Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s legal team argued in the Court of Appeal on Monday that a royal edict, known as the Titah Addendum, permitting the former Prime Minister to serve his prison sentence under house arrest, has been verified by his eldest son, Datuk Muhammad Nizar.
Najib’s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, presented this revelation before a three-judge panel, asserting that the Sultan of Pahang’s personal record substantiated the addendum. Shafee emphasized that the document, received by Nizar, was crucial evidence warranting consideration in Najib’s ongoing appeal.
“We urge the court to admit this affidavit and all related evidence so we can substantiate our arguments,” Shafee said.
The appeal challenges a prior Kuala Lumpur High Court decision that dismissed Najib’s application for a judicial review of the Titah Addendum. Najib contends that the edict, issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, entitles him to house arrest for the remainder of his six-year sentence, following a reduced term granted by the Pardon Board last year.
In July 2024, High Court Judge Datuk Amarjeet Singh rejected Najib’s bid for judicial review, ruling that the affidavits supporting his application were inadmissible as they relied on hearsay. These affidavits included statements from UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Vice President Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Najib’s legal strategy also includes a mandamus order request aimed at compelling seven respondents, including the Home Affairs Minister, the Commissioner General of Prisons, the Attorney General, and the Federal Territories Pardon Board, to confirm the existence of the addendum dated January 29, 2024.
Najib, currently serving a sentence for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering related to RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, was initially sentenced to 12 years in Kajang Prison and fined RM210 million. However, in February 2024, the Pardon Board reduced his sentence to six years and a RM50 million fine, setting his potential release date for August 23, 2028.
This latest revelation adds a new dimension to Najib’s legal battles, with his defence insisting that the palace-issued addendum provides grounds for a more lenient incarceration. As the case continues, questions surrounding the legal procedures remain at the forefront.
Information Source: Sinar Harian
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