PUTRAJAYA, 25 March 2025 – The Federal Court of Malaysia has dismissed an appeal by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, marking a significant development in his ongoing legal efforts to challenge his imprisonment. The appeal was linked to an alleged royal addendum order that purportedly allowed him to serve his sentence under house arrest rather than in prison.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, rejected Najib’s preliminary objection and granted the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) permission to proceed with its appeal against the High Court’s earlier decision to allow Najib’s judicial review application.
Royal Addendum Controversy
In January 2024, Najib filed a judicial review claiming that a supplementary royal decree — allegedly issued in conjunction with the official royal pardon that halved his jail sentence — granted him permission to serve the remainder of his term under house arrest.
The existence of such an addendum, however, was never formally confirmed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any official palace statement, leading to widespread speculation and legal debate.
Najib’s legal team insisted the order had legal standing, citing communications and documents they believe supported the claim. The High Court initially allowed the judicial review application, prompting the AGC to appeal.
Upholding Legal Procedure
In a unanimous decision, the Federal Court bench ruled that the AGC’s appeal could proceed, effectively overturning Najib’s preliminary objection. The court did not rule on the merits of the alleged royal addendum, but it paved the way for the substantive appeal hearing.
“This is a procedural matter that upholds the principle that all parties, including the government, have the right to challenge decisions through proper legal channels,” said legal analyst Datuk Rafique Rashid Ali.
The Federal Court’s decision does not immediately affect Najib’s prison term, which remains at six years after his sentence was halved earlier in 2024 by royal pardon.
Political and Public Reaction
The decision has reignited public debate over the influence of royal decrees in judicial matters and the public accountability of political leaders.
Some observers see the court’s ruling as a reaffirmation of judicial independence, while others believe the question of a royal addendum — if it exists — must be conclusively addressed to avoid prolonged legal uncertainty.
Supporters of Najib continue to rally for his release, while critics emphasize that the rule of law must prevail, regardless of political stature.
Main Appeal Hearing Next
The AGC will now proceed to file submissions for the main appeal hearing, where the court will determine whether Najib’s application to review the alleged addendum should have been accepted in the first place.
If the Federal Court eventually rules against Najib, the judicial review case could be struck out entirely — effectively closing the door on house arrest claims.
Legal Battle Far from Over
As one of Malaysia’s most prominent political figures, Najib’s legal journey continues to be closely watched. While Monday’s ruling does not resolve the central issue, it affirms that the matter remains open to full legal scrutiny.
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