PUTRAJAYA: The decision to consider the house arrest for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can only be discussed once Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returns to Malaysia.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the discussions over the matter also did not take place during the cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, today.
"It (the house arrest) was not discussed (during the meeting today). (The matter) may be discussed once the prime minister (Anwar) returns to Malaysia (from his overseas work trip).
"However, I believe that what he (Anwar) mentioned (on the house arrest) must follow certain processes. That is what he said," he told a press conference today.
Previously, Anwar said Najib's house arrest should only be considered by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, once the latter's 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case concluded.
In an interview with Bloomberg at the 2024 Doha Economic Forum (DEF) in Doha yesterday, Anwar said he would only propose the matter if the King specifically asked for his opinion.
"If the King seeks my advice, I would recommend, 'Your Highness, let the legal process unfold'," he reportedly said.
Anwar also said all parties must focus on the ongoing proceedings of the 1MDB case rather than diverting attention to the recent discussions surrounding Najib's potential house arrest.
He added that it was the prerogative of the King to decide and he would uphold the authority of the King.
On April 1, Najib, 70, filed an application in the Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking leave for judicial review to challenge the validity of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Addendum Decree.
Subsequently, Zahid, who is also the Umno president, submitted an affidavit as a "critical witness" and expressed support for Najib's application for judicial review to contest the existence of the Addendum Decree.
The deputy prime minister, in his affidavit sworn on April 9, revealed that he was informed about the existence of the decree by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz during a meeting at Zahid's residence in Country Heights Kajang on Jan 30.
The addendum decree entailed the former prime minister serving a six-year house arrest term.