601 prisoners to celebrate Raya at home, but likely not Najib

Summary

• 601 inmates are being released on licence in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

• Najib is not believed to be among them. Those being released are aged 21 to 68, the ex-PM is 72 this year.

This coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be a joyous celebration for 601 inmates across the nation as they will spend the holiday at home with loved ones.

The Prisons Department said the 601 are being released on licence as part of a programme to rehabilitate qualified prisoners.

There is reason to believe that former premier Najib Abdul Razak - who is fighting to be placed under house arrest - is not among them.

The department informed the media that those selected are aged 21 to 68. Najib will be 72 this year.

Second chance

In a statement, the department said that those released will be under continuous observation to ensure they abide by the terms of their licence and are not repeat offenders.

"The Prisons Department hopes society can accept those who have been given a second chance, and help them reassimilate and rehabilitate into the community," it added.

The government has been actively releasing prisoners on licence since 2022 in part to address overcrowding in prisons.

Najib is in a court battle to be placed under house arrest - which was granted to him through a royal decree by the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The decree was an addendum to the order reducing Najib’s jail sentence and fine in the SRC International case from 12 years’ jail and RM210 million to six years and RM50 million.

There are questions about whether the addendum is valid as it was issued outside the Pardons Board meeting.

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