Former Prime Minister Accuses Ahmad Terrirudin of Contempt of Court Over Alleged Withholding of Key Documents

Najib Razak, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, has announced his intention to file legal proceedings against Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, the former Attorney-General and now a Federal Court judge. Najib accuses Terrirudin of contempt of court for allegedly hiding a royal addendum order that would allow him to serve his prison sentence under house arrest.

Najib’s legal representative, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, confirmed during a press conference on February 12 that the necessary papers for the legal action are prepared, with plans to file the contempt suit by February 13 or 14. The legal action follows statements made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who revealed that the former Attorney-General had received a letter about the royal addendum. This order reportedly permitted Najib to complete his sentence under house arrest instead of in prison.

On January 11, Prime Minister Anwar acknowledged the receipt of the letter, noting that after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) changed, the letter was forwarded to the new monarch, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, for his decision.

Muhammad Shafee has claimed that during a judicial review hearing at the High Court, the former Attorney-General failed to disclose the existence of the addendum, and instead challenged the defence to prove that the document even existed. He said that this omission was both misleading and dishonest.

The senior lawyer added that the legal action is an effort to hold the government accountable for transparency, stressing that it is crucial for the government to be fully candid.

Najib’s judicial review application concerning the royal addendum, filed on January 6, has been referred back to the High Court by the Court of Appeal for a hearing on its merits. A case management hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2025.

In his application, Najib named several respondents, including the Home Minister, the Commissioner General of Prisons, the Attorney-General, and others involved in the decision-making process. He is seeking a mandamus order to confirm the existence of the royal addendum, which was allegedly issued on January 29, 2024. If the addendum is verified, Najib is requesting that the relevant authorities immediately implement the order and transfer him to house arrest.

Najib’s previous attempt to have the application heard was dismissed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in July 2024 due to insufficient evidence. However, he succeeded in appealing this decision, and the case is now set for further review.