Najib Razak to move to house arrest after party pays 50 million‑ringgit fine

Najib Razak will leave prison for house arrest after his United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party paid the 50 million‑ringgit fine tied to his royal pardon. The former prime minister, 73, has been behind bars since August 2022 when Malaysia’s top court upheld his conviction in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) looting case. Malaysia’s king granted Najib a rare clemency in September, stipulating that he must pay the fine before serving the rest of his term at home. Asyraf Wajid Dusuki, UMNO’s secretary‑general, said the party’s donation drive raised enough money and the fine was settled at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday, 6 November 2026. The payment satisfies the key condition of the royal pardon. Police were seen outside Najib’s Kuala Lumpur residence early Friday and the access road was blocked, but officials did not specify when the transfer would happen. ## Context The case highlights how Malaysia’s legal and royal systems intersect, with a royal pardon contingent on a monetary penalty. It also shows UMNO’s continued financial backing of its former leader despite his conviction.