Minister of Internal Affairs: House arrest law was proposed only for detainees awaiting trial

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today announced that the proposed house arrest law will only apply to detainees awaiting their trial dates.

He said prisoners sentenced to 10 years or more cannot be placed under house arrest.

“The Ministry’s purpose in preparing this law is to address detention. If someone has previously been convicted and not found guilty, they will not be included in this category.

“However, if MPs later suggest that those who have been convicted should also be taken into account, we can review it then,” Saifuddin said in his closing speech on the home ministry’s 2025 Budget.

“Our focus for now is on those the court has detained while awaiting trial. If someone is arrested for a crime punishable by 10 years in prison, they are not eligible. “This shows the seriousness of their crimes,” he added.

Saifuddin responded to Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh Deo seeking clarification on the sentence of 10 years or more in prison, including the sentence of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently in jail after being found guilty on all seven main charges. SRC case after the high court rejected the proposal for appeal and review.

In February, the Pardon’s Board reduced the initial 12-year prison sentence and RM210 million fine to six years and RM50 million.

More to come