Kuala Lumpur: A proposal will be raised at the Cabinet meeting today to declassify the Pardons Board meeting minutes relating to Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said the suggestion by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman could provide a clearer and more transparent picture of the process.
“That is a good recommendation and idea from Muar, which is to bring a proposal to the Cabinet to declassify the minutes of the Pardons Board meeting so that they can provide a more accurate and transparent perspective on the process,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution also said Datuk Seri Najib Razak is permitted to live with his immediate family members while undergoing house arrest, there are restrictions when it comes to telecommunications and making public statements, including political activities.
Explaining the house arrest conditions in Dewan Rakyat yesterday, he said the conditions laid out by the Pardons Board were communicated to the former prime minister before his transfer.
“He is not allowed to live with anyone other than his family members, consisting of his wives, children, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and grandchildren, except with prior written permission.”
Saifuddin Nasution explained that the conditions imposed fall across four categories, namely: restrictions on residence and association; control over movement and visits; restrictions on the use of telephones and telecommunications devices; and mandatory attendance at rehabilitation and intervention programmes.
“It also stipulates that he is not permitted to move to another house, building or premises,” he said, adding that the ministry had exercised its powers under the Prisons Act to gazette the former prime minister’s residence as a place of detention.
“Regarding restrictions on the use of telephones and telecommunication devices, he was not permitted to use any equipment other than those registered with the Prisons Department for the purpose of verifying his presence at the residence,” he said.
He said Najib is also prohibited from participating, making statements or comments, or exposing himself through any media coverage or social media platform.
Saifuddin Nasution said he is further prohibited from attending public gatherings, let alone participating in political activities.
“There is also an obligation for him to undergo rehabilitation programmes,” he said.
He said the conditions formulated are not solely for Najib but can also be used in the future if a similar situation arises.
He was responding to a question by Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat on the specific conditions imposed on Najib while serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, and the agency responsible for monitoring compliance with these conditions.
Saifuddin Nasution also confirmed that Najib’s pension payments have been suspended for the time being.
He revealed that Najib had also made a written request to include another residence as a gazetted prison premises.
