Najib Razak withdraws appeal for house arrest in SRC case, remains in prison
Malaysian ex-prime minister Najib Razak has withdrawn his appeal to serve the remainder of his SRC sentence under house arrest, according to court documents. The move means he will continue his imprisonment and cannot refile the appeal.
- Malaysian former PM Najib Razak has formally withdrawn his appeal for house arrest in the SRC case.
- The Court of Appeal recorded the discontinuance, preventing any future reapplication.
- Najib remains imprisoned while appealing a separate 1MDB conviction.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysian former prime minister Najib Razak has withdrawn his appeal to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest in the SRC International case, effectively ending his bid to leave Kajang Prison before completing his term.
According to Malaysian media outlet the Malay Mail, court documents indicate that the former prime minister is no longer pursuing legal avenues to relocate his sentence to his Kuala Lumpur residence.
The decision means he will continue serving his sentence in prison.
According to filings dated 2 April 2026, Najib’s legal representatives submitted a Notice of Discontinuance to the Court of Appeal.
The notice formally stated his intention to terminate the appeal.
The document read: “Please take note that the appellant named above wishes to terminate and withdraw this appeal against the respondents without liberty to file afresh and with no order as to costs.”
No reason was provided for the withdrawal.
On 14 April 2026, deputy registrar Adilah Mohtar recorded that the filing was in order. The court subsequently struck out the appeal.
The phrase “without liberty to file afresh” means Najib is barred from reapplying for house arrest under the same case in the future.
Timeline of imprisonment and sentence
Najib has been serving his sentence since 23 August 2022, following his conviction over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International.
Originally sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and fined RM210 million, his punishment was reduced in 2024 by the Pardons Board.
The revised sentence stands at six years in prison and a RM50 million fine.
His current term is scheduled to end on 23 August 2028.
However, if the fine is not paid, the release date may be extended to August 2029.
An earlier release as soon as August 2026 remains possible under a one-third remission for good behaviour.
Legal developments in 1MDB case
Separately, Najib faces additional legal challenges linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
On 26 December 2025, the High Court convicted him on 25 charges involving more than RM2 billion in misappropriated funds. He was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and substantial financial penalties.
The court ordered that this sentence would commence only after completion of his SRC prison term.
Najib is currently appealing both the conviction and sentence in the 1MDB case.
Following a recent case management session, defence counsel Wan Mohammad Arfan Wan Othman confirmed that the Court of Appeal has set 22 May 2026 for the next update.
The legal team is awaiting the High Court’s written judgment, which is necessary for progressing the appeal.
Civil liability and financial penalties
In a separate civil proceeding on 31 March 2026, the High Court ruled that Najib is liable for losses suffered by SRC International.
He was ordered to repay US$1.3 billion.
The civil case focused on his role in overseeing SRC’s financial management, particularly the handling of a RM4 billion loan secured from Retirement Fund Inc.
SRC International was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of 1MDB, with a mandate to pursue overseas energy investments.
The company obtained RM4 billion in borrowings backed by government guarantees.
Court findings detailed that portions of these funds were transferred through offshore intermediaries before reaching accounts linked to Najib.
The case centred on fiduciary responsibilities and the movement of public funds.
Previous convictions and charges
Najib was first charged in 2018 following a change in government after the general election.
On 28 July 2020, he was convicted in the SRC case, marking the first criminal conviction of a former Malaysian prime minister.
In addition to the SRC and 1MDB cases, cumulative penalties imposed include lengthy prison terms and fines amounting to billions of ringgit.
His current legal position remains defined by ongoing appeals and confirmed imprisonment.
At 72, Najib is expected to be in his mid-70s upon completion of his sentence, depending on remission and financial compliance.
