THE cabinet has on principle agreed to grant Najib Razak’s request for a plot of land to build a house, de facto law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said today.

He said this was in accordance with the provisions under Act 237 of the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980.

 “In principle, the cabinet agreed to grant the former premier his request on the ground of his right under the law,” he said in a statement.

“However, I must stress that this decision is not final and is subject to further deliberation and final approval by the government.”

Yesterday, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz confirmed that the cabinet had received an application from Najib to obtain a property worth RM100 million in Kuala Lumpur.

Tengku Zafrul, however, did not confirm whether the application was approved.

The news sent shock waves among Malaysians, who criticised Najib for having the audacity to make such a request after the Pekan MP was convicted of seven counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power involving RM42 million in funds from former 1MDB unit SRC International.

In a press conference earlier today, the Pekan MP said he has decided to withdraw his request.

He also said that he was unaware of the value of the land until it was widely publicised.

Despite Najib’s announcement that he will withdraw his application, Wan Junaidi said the cabinet has decided to establish a committee to look into the proposal.

‘“The committee’s role will be to review the proposed guideline for the fulfilment of the request, including rate, conditions and maximum limits or quantum, for the provision of land and residential houses, under the Former Prime Minister’s Remuneration Schedule, for future implementation.” – November 19, 2021.