KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emerged as a pivotal witness in support of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s legal bid to enforce a purported “supplementary order” from the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Ahmad Zahid’s affidavit, filed in court, confirms the existence of the order, which mandates Najib to serve the remainder of his reduced sentence under house arrest. The affidavit, dated April 9, details a meeting where fellow Cabinet member Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz affirmed the existence of the order, displaying a copy on his phone.
Ahmad Zahid, who personally saw and read the order, attested to its authenticity, noting the royal seal and signature of the former King. Despite not possessing a copy due to confidentiality, he affirmed its presence within the possession of the respondents, including the Attorney General Chambers. Earlier, Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, hinted at the testimony of a “critical” witness to support Najib’s case. Subsequently, the court granted leave for Najib’s application, with proceedings conducted in chambers and media barred from coverage. The decision is set for June 5.
Najib’s legal bid stems from the Pardons Board’s decision to halve his sentence for misappropriating funds from SRC International Sdn Bhd. The alleged supplementary order, if enforced, would allow Najib to serve his reduced sentence under home arrest, a relief sought in his application. As the legal saga unfolds, the affirmation by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid adds weight to Najib’s efforts to secure home arrest, highlighting the complexities surrounding his ongoing legal battles.
