Malaysia's Immigration Department said Saturday that former Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife are barred from leaving the country, media reported.
This came shortly after Najib announced plans for a short holiday with family.
Malaysian authorities barred ousted Najib and his wife from leaving the country on Saturday, amid reports that the government was reopening investigations into a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at a state fund he founded, according to Reuters.
Najib's coalition suffered a shocking electoral defeat this week that ended its 60 year-rule.
Following strong calls from the party for him to step down, Najib told a news conference that he was stepping down with immediate effect as president of the United Malays National Organization as well as chairman of the National Front coalition, AP reported.
The Immigration Department issued a statement banning Najib from leaving the country without giving further details.
"The Malaysian Immigration Department would like to confirm that Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor have just been blacklisted from leaving the country," the agency said on its official Facebook page. It gave no .
Najib responded instantly in Twitter by confirming that he respected the department's decision and will stay with his family in the country.
In a Twitter message on Friday, Najib said he was praying that, "after this divisive period", Malaysia would unite.
"I apologise for any shortcomings and mistakes, and I thank you, the people, for the opportunity to lead our great nation," he tweeted.
