AT 73, Datuk Seri Najib Razak remains at the centre of one of Malaysia’s longest-running political and legal sagas — marking his birthday today while serving a prison sentence and continuing his fight through the courts.
The former prime minister received an outpouring of birthday messages from supporters, with many taking to social media to wish him well, pray for his health and call for his release.
Najib responded with a short message of appreciation, saying he was touched that people still remembered his special day.
“Sangat terharu masih ada yang ingat,” he wrote alongside a photograph of himself dressed in white while having a meal.
The birthday greetings came as Najib continues to serve a six-year sentence at Kajang Prison after his conviction in the SRC International case, which is linked to the wider 1MDB scandal.
His legal challenges, however, are far from over.
Once his current sentence ends, Najib is expected to begin serving a separate 15-year prison term imposed in his 1MDB case, where he was convicted over the misuse of funds connected to the scandal.
If both sentences remain unchanged, Najib would be in his 90s by the time he completes his prison terms — not including additional penalties imposed by the courts.
The 1MDB case also carries a RM11.38 billion fine, while authorities have separately pursued RM2.08 billion in asset recovery claims. Failure to settle the financial penalties could lead to further imprisonment.
Najib is also facing bankruptcy proceedings, with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) among the parties seeking outstanding payments.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, his defence team continues to pursue avenues to overturn the 1MDB conviction, including efforts to introduce new evidence involving fugitive financier Jho Low.
A separate civil case has also added to Najib’s legal difficulties, after he was ordered to pay RM5.7 billion to a former 1MDB subsidiary.
Away from the courtroom, Najib’s family marked his birthday with emotional tributes.
His daughter Nooryana Najwa described him as a resilient figure who remained strong despite the difficulties he was facing, while sharing her hopes that he would continue to be blessed with good health.
She said her father’s faith had never wavered and that the family would continue supporting him through the challenges ahead.
“His faith has never wavered. Indeed, with patience comes strength,” she wrote.
Nooryana also shared a photograph taken outside Kajang Prison with the message “Happy Birthday, Daddy”.
The family recently disclosed that Najib is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure to remove plaque detected near a blood vessel.
Rosmah thanked supporters for their concern and prayers, urging them to continue praying for the former prime minister’s health.
For his supporters, Najib’s 73rd birthday became another occasion to show loyalty to a leader they continue to defend. – July 23, 2026
