24-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has issued a public apology to the nation regarding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, expressing “deep sorrow” over the corruption case that emerged during his leadership.
The statement, delivered by his son Datuk Mohd Nizar at the Kuala Lumpur court complex on Thursday, comes after Najib’s 26-month period of reflection in prison. “It pains me to know the 1MDB debacle happened under my watch as the minister of finance and prime minister,” the statement read, offering an “unreserved” apology to the Malaysian people.
Najib described his “deep shock” upon learning the full extent of what he termed “wretched and unconscionable shenanigans” within 1MDB. However, he maintained his position that he was not the architect of the scandal, particularly emphasising his relationship with fugitive financier Jho Low.
The former premier acknowledged shortcomings in his initial response to early suspicions about 1MDB, stating he had relied too heavily on explanations from the board and management. He cited recent developments, including convictions of PetroSaudi executives in Switzerland and revelations in The Edge newspaper, as evidence supporting his claim of being deceived rather than being complicit.
Regarding the funds he received, Najib maintained his long-held position that he believed they were political donations from Saudi Arabia, pointing to confirmed large donations in 2010 that were not subject to criminal proceedings.
While expressing “deep regret” over the events at SRC and 1MDB, Najib argued against what he views as disproportionate legal consequences for actions he claims he neither initiated nor knowingly facilitated.
The former prime minister currently faces 25 charges, including four counts of power abuse involving RM2.3 billion from 1MDB and 21 money laundering charges. A crucial court decision regarding whether he must enter his defence is expected on October 30, when Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah will deliver his ruling.
