Former PM’s fight for house arrest continues as courts pause proceedings; even judges express frustration over the prolonged delay in the Royal Addendum issue
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 April 2025 — In yet another twist to a saga that has spanned more than 15 months, the Royal Addendum case involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been delayed once more, drawing sharp reactions not only from the defence but also from the nation’s highest court.
The High Court on Monday granted a stay on all proceedings related to Najib’s judicial review application regarding the Royal Addendum—an alleged decree by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. The delay came following a Federal Court decision to hear the government’s challenge against a lower court ruling that allowed Najib’s appeal to proceed.
With this latest development, Najib’s long-standing pursuit of justice has once again hit a legal roadblock. The Federal Court has fixed July 1 and 2, 2025, to hear the government’s appeal, resulting in a temporary pause to the High Court’s gag order hearing and related applications—including third-party bids to hold watching briefs.
Royal Addendum Frustration
Najib’s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, revealed that the Federal Court itself expressed concern over the protracted delay, noting that the matter has remained unresolved for over a year and four months.
“We are extremely disappointed. Despite repeated efforts to expedite this case in the High Court, no meaningful progress was made. Even the Federal Court today was visibly perturbed by the delay,” Shafee told reporters.
He also stressed that the Royal Addendum issue concerns not only Najib’s fundamental rights as a citizen but also raises broader implications involving public interest and constitutional integrity.
The Court of Appeal had in January 2025 affirmed the addendum’s legitimacy and returned the matter to the High Court for trial. Yet, on the final day of the appeal period, Attorney General Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar filed a last-minute application to the Federal Court, seeking to overturn the appellate court’s ruling. This move, seen by many as a strategic delay, has indefinitely stalled the High Court proceedings once again.
Where Is Due Process When Justice Is Delayed?
Many of Najib’s supporters are understandably upset, firmly believing that Najib’s continued imprisonment defies not only the will of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong but also undermines the constitutional guarantees of due process and equal treatment under the law.
“Najib should have been under house arrest as mandated since 29 January 2024 —15 long months ago! The Pahang Palace and even the Prime Minister haS acknowledged the addendum’s validity. So why is justice still being denied?” — wrote supporter Muralitharan Ramachandran in a Facebook post earlier today.
In an unusually candid moment, the Federal Court instructed the Attorney General’s Chambers to file their official appeal within seven days—half the normal window—signalling a recognition that time is of the essence. Shafee added that the apex court is expected to address critical questions of law, including the admissibility of new evidence and the evolving role of the AG, who initially acted solely as the government’s legal advisor but is now also representing other respondents.
Royal Addendum Roadblock
The implications of the upcoming July hearing are enormous. Should the AG’s appeal succeed, Najib’s chances of a fair and expedited hearing could be crushed under the weight of further legal obstruction. If it fails, the matter will return to the High Court, but only after even more delay—prolonging an ordeal many already view as a miscarriage of justice.
As Shafee pointed out, “This case isn’t just about Najib—it’s about whether our legal system can still be trusted to uphold the fundamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Justice delayed is justice denied. And justice is being denied, once again.” – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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