Kuala Lumpur:The High Court dismissed Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's application for a stay of execution of his 15-year jail sentence and RM11.4 billion fine in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin decided that Najib had not met the special circumstances required for a stay of execution. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense as a significant public interest consideration, noting that Najib was no longer a first-time offender when convicted.

Regarding Najib's medical concerns, the judge stated that the medical report indicated his needs were adequately managed by the government and medical experts, which did not satisfy the special circumstances test.

Following the verdict, Najib's lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, announced plans to file a new application for a stay at the Court of Appeal after receiving the full judgment. Earlier, Shafee explained that the defense initially chose not to seek a stay, allowing Najib to potentially benefit from concurrent sentencing if the appellate court ruled in his favor.

Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib opposed the application, arguing that Najib had not shown exceptional circumstances. He warned that granting a stay could harm public confidence in the justice system and delay resolution in a case already spanning seven years.

The High Court previously sentenced Najib to 15 years' imprisonment and an RM11.4 billion fine on December 26. He filed an appeal notice but did not request a stay of execution. Najib's sentences will run concurrently, but they will start after he completes a six-year term for the SRC International case, ending in August 2028. Last month, the King of Malaysia granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve under house arrest until 2028, upon payment of a RM50 million fine.