Najib Razak is back in the headlines after a Malaysian court on December 22, 2025, rejected his bid to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest. The decision came just before a major court verdict in his ongoing 1MDB corruption trials. The ruling keeps the former prime minister behind bars amid intense political debate.
Who is Najib Razak?
Najib Razak served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 2009 to 2018. He belonged to a powerful political family: his father, Tun Abdul Razak, was prime minister from 1970 to 1976, and his uncle, Hussein Onn, also held the post. Najib began his political career in the 1970s and rose through the ranks of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysia’s dominant political party for decades.
Najib Razak House Arrest Bid
Najib has been serving a sentence since August 2022 for corruption tied to the 1MDB scandal. He sought to finish his term under house arrest, citing a royal addendum order. But the High Court ruled that the order was procedurally invalid because it was not properly approved by the Pardons Board. As a result, he remains in prison.
What is the 1MDB Scandal?
The 1MDB scandal was a massive financial fraud involving Malaysia’s state investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), created to boost the country’s economy. Between 2009 and 2015, billions of dollars were allegedly siphoned off through complex international transactions and used for personal gain, luxury spending, and even Hollywood movies.
Former PM Najib Razak was accused of receiving around $681 million in his personal accounts, which he claimed was a donation from a Saudi royal. Global investigations implicated financial institutions across multiple countries, and in 2020, Najib was convicted of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of power, receiving a 12-year prison sentence and hefty fines, marking one of the world’s biggest financial scandals.
Najib Razak Net Worth
Najib’s estimated personal wealth is reported at about $24,040–$32,920 (roughly ₹20 lakh–₹27 lakh INR). Much of his financial profile has been scrutinised due to allegations of misuse of state funds during the 1MDB scandal, but precise figures remain contested and subject to legal scrutiny.
Najib Razak Age
Najib Razak was born on 23 July 1953 in Kuala Lipis, Malaysia. As of 2025, he is 72 years old.
Najib Razak Height
Najib Razak’s height is 5’7” (170 cm).
Najib Razak Party
Najib was a senior leader of UMNO (United Malays National Organisation), a party central to Malaysia’s political landscape for decades. UMNO remains influential despite electoral losses and controversies surrounding its leaders.
Najib Razak: Why He Got a Sentence?
Najib was convicted in 2020 on multiple counts, including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund scandal. Billions were alleged to have been siphoned from the fund. He denied the charges but was sentenced to 12 years in prison, later reduced to six years by a pardon board.
Najib Razak First Wife
Najib’s first wife was Tengku Puteri Zainah Tengku Eskandar. They were married from 1976 until their divorce in 1987 and had three children together.
Najib Razak Wife
In 1987, Najib married Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. She became a high‑profile public figure and faced her own legal troubles over corruption allegations linked to government contracts.
Najib Razak Children
Najib has five children:
- Mohd Nizar Najib
- Mohd Nazifuddin Najib
- Puteri Norlisa Najib (from first marriage)
- Mohd Norashman Najib
- Nooryana Najwa Najib (from second marriage)
Najib Razak Education
Najib grew up in Kuala Lumpur and attended St. John’s Institution. He then studied in the UK at Malvern College (1968–1971) and later earned a degree in economics from the University of Nottingham in 1974.
Najib Razak Books
Najib has authored and contributed to several books, including:
- Malaysia on the Right Track to a Bright Future (2015)
- Future Mind (2010)
- Helming the Times (2009)
- Exploring Changes for Greater Success (2011)
- The Civil Service: Forging Ahead (2012)
- Defending Malaysia (2001)
- Political Transformation (2012)
- Asia‑Pacific’s Strategic Outlook (1995)
- Najib’s Answers (2010)
- Globalising Malaysia (2014)
- Driving Transformation (2011) (User image data)
Najib Razak Jail Status
Najib is currently serving his prison sentence at Kajang Prison. His legal team plans to appeal the court’s decision rejecting house arrest. He remains behind bars while a separate major 1MDB trial continues with another verdict expected soon.
Najib Razak Current Position
Najib holds no official government position. He remains a politically influential figure within UMNO and Malaysia’s broader political debates, even while incarcerated.
What Happened to Najib Razak?
Najib’s downfall began with the 1MDB scandal, which sparked investigations at home and abroad. Once Malaysia’s most powerful leader, his legacy is now defined by corruption trials, prison sentences and ongoing legal battles. Despite efforts to reduce his sentence or serve it under house arrest, courts continue to uphold his convictions.
