High Court's rejection of Najib's application dominates debates among netizens on social media platforms

KUCHING, Dec 22 2025: The Kuala Lumpur High’s rejection of a judicial review application by former Prime Minister Najib Razak to enforce royal addendum that would allow him to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest, dominated debates on social media platforms.

Najib Razak: Many netizens say he should remain in jail 

Many netizens have commented that Najib should remain in prison to serve his sentence for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

They said that Judge Alice Loke has made a sound judgment in dismissing Najib’s judicial review application.

A netizen commented that the High Court judge ruled that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s  addendum decree was invalid because the YDPA allegedly did not follow procedure and had issued a decree that violated Article 42 of the Constitution.

One Facebook user described Judge Alice Loke as a brave judge in dismissing the application from a high-profile politician.

Another said “Justice being served. Najib was convicted during the PM-ship of Muhyiddin. Rosmah & Mohd Isa were convicted during the PM-ship of Sabri.

“Both the PMs implemented many reforms within their 20 months PM-ship and seriously fighting corruption.”

One netizen posted:”Najib should be in Sungai Buloh” and another wrote “Kedaulatan Undang Undang Negara..... MENANG hari ini.”

A Facebook user who identified himself as Michael Arokiasamy wrote “Padan muka Najib” and another  who identified himself as Allan Cheah Kok Yoong wrote “ Good...stay at Kajang resort

A Facebook account holder, identified as Aeng Tri, sarcastically wrote “you may request your beautiful wife Rosmah to accompany you when you are bored.........in jail...…”

A Facebook user identified as Azizul Abd Hamid wrote “.. bukti PMX tidak mencampuri urusan mahkamah. Kalau DSN didapati bersalah dalam kes Skandal 1MDB, 20 tahun lagi dalam penjara. Umno tersepit antara PH atau PN. Kes Skandal 1MDB adalah long-term liabiliti untuk BN khususnya Umno.

“Sukar untuk pulihkan reputasi di mata pengundi-pengundi muda sebab kami dibesarkan semasa Skandal 1MDB berlaku.

“Ini bukan soal tak kenang jasa tapi tidak adil untuk banduan-banduan yang terlibat dalam kes rompakan & kecurian dalam angka yang kecil sedangkan "Bossku" sakau berbilion RM ke dalam akaun bank peribadi.”

Some of the comments from netizens:

Sivam Nadarajah: Berani ke Umno nanti jawatan DPM pun hilang, macam DAP tak ada bola keluar PH. Cakap tak serupa bikin.

Yap Kg: Dr Akmal, teach Umno a lesson. Leave Umno if Umno don’t withdraw from the coalition Govt.

Lau Ching Fong: Kedaulatan Undang-undang. Nak ikut undang2 dan Rukun Negara ke nak ikut tafsiran politikus?

Andy Goh: The constitution prevails. It does matter who does what or says what. The court already released Rosmah from another court case, so go and thank you DAP?

Hean Chun Phang: This fellow (Dr Akmal) and the party still never learn lessons. Still dare and got face to teach others lessons.

Soo Boon Poh: Rosmah case - Akmal very happy. Najib case - Akmal very mad.

So, the court's ruling is wrong?

Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir was upset with Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin over her social media post that "another reason to celebrate this year end".

"Why the need to celebrate? Don't celebrate the suffering of others,” Zambry was quoted as saying by the media.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, in expressing his disgust at  Yeo's statement, suggested that Umno should withdraw its support for the government.

He said it would be better for Umno to be a dignified opposition rather than be insulted by these foolish people.

Umno president and Deputy Premier Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned: “Do not add fuel to the fire” obviously referring to Yeo’s facebook post.

 “Another reason to celebrate this year end,” she wrote.

Judge Alice Loke dismissed Najib’s application to serve his reduced six-year jail term for his SRC International Sdn Bhd conviction under house arrest under an addendum order issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Loke said the addendum was not deliberated or decided at the 61st Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, and that its issuance was not in compliance with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.

She said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was a constitutional monarch, and that his powers and functions were exercised in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

The exercise “of the prerogative power of mercy” was “no exception”, Loke said, adding “consequently, it is not a valid order. The respondents have no power and no duty to obey or enforce it.

“Conversely, the applicant has no right to the relief of mandamus,” she said.

Najib, 72, was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds and has been serving his sentence at Kajang prison since Aug 23, 2022.

In 2024, the pardons board halved his jail term from 12 years to six and reduced his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Najib filed for a judicial review last year seeking to compel the government to execute the addendum, or supplementary decree, to place him under house arrest.

The defence has indicated it will file an appeal.