2-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak launched his defence against fresh corruption allegations on Monday, declaring the charges “politically motivated” as he faces accusations involving more than half a billion US dollars in alleged bribes and multiple money laundering offences.
The 71-year-old former leader, currently serving a reduced six-year prison sentence for earlier 1MDB-related convictions, appeared before the High Court to contest charges linked to 2.27 billion ringgit (US$510 million) in alleged illicit payments and 21 counts of money laundering involving Tanore Finance Corp.
Appearing in court wearing a smartly-tailored navy suit and tie, though visibly affected by a persistent cough, Najib was granted permission by Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah to read his complete 525-page witness statement. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, observed proceedings from the public gallery.
The case represents another chapter in the sprawling 1MDB scandal, which US authorities estimate saw more than US$4.5 billion misappropriated between 2009 and 2015. The controversy triggered investigations across multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, Switzerland, and Singapore.
Despite issuing an October apology for the scandal occurring during his premiership, Najib maintains he had no knowledge of illegal transfers from the sovereign wealth fund. If found guilty of the current charges, he could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of power abuse.
The former premier has recently secured several legal victories, including the dismissal of corruption charges related to US$1 billion in alleged payments to Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company, and an acquittal in an audit tampering case last year.
The 1MDB scandal proved pivotal in ending Najib’s political career and his party’s six-decade rule in 2018, as revelations emerged about funds allegedly used to purchase luxury items, including a superyacht and fine art. His legal team, led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has expressed renewed determination to contest the charges.
Separately, Najib awaits a Court of Appeal hearing this Thursday regarding his application for house arrest, following a lower court’s rejection of the request.
