10-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The high-profile corruption trial of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been postponed for two days due to unexpected health complications. Najib, who is currently facing charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, was admitted to a Kuala Lumpur hospital with severe knee pain, prompting the court to reschedule proceedings.
The trial, which has captured national and international attention, is now set to resume on Thursday, 12 September. This delay marks another twist in the complex legal saga surrounding one of Malaysia’s most significant corruption cases in recent history.
Dr Siti, a senior orthopaedic consultant at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, informed the High Court on Tuesday that Najib had been transferred to the hospital by prison authorities after complaining of acute pain in his right knee. The medical team prescribed potent painkillers and granted Najib a two-day medical leave. Reports indicate that the former premier is currently under opioid treatment to manage his discomfort and prevent potential complications.
This is not the first time health issues have interrupted Najib’s legal proceedings. In 2019, the trial faced similar delays when the former prime minister cited eye problems on two separate occasions.
Najib, now 71, was convicted in 2020 on seven charges, including criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and abuse of power. These charges stemmed from the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.
Following his conviction, Najib began serving his sentence at Kajang Prison. However, in a surprising turn of events, he applied for a royal pardon shortly after his incarceration began. In February of this year, the Federal Pardons Department announced a partial commutation of Najib’s sentence, reducing his prison term from 12 to six years and slashing his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Despite this clemency, Najib’s legal troubles are far from over. The partial pardon means he remains ineligible to run for public office for five years following his release, unless granted an exemption by the head of state. Moreover, Najib still faces three additional lawsuits connected to the 1MDB scandal, each carrying the potential for further imprisonment if he is found guilty.
The 1MDB scandal, which first came to light in 2015, involved the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars from a state investment fund. The case has had far-reaching implications, not only for Malaysian politics but also for global financial regulations and international diplomacy.
