12-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian prosecutors have chosen not to appeal the acquittal of former Prime Minister Najib Razak in a case involving audit tampering linked to the state fund 1MDB, according to his lawyers’ statement on Tuesday. This decision risks provoking a backlash against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has pledged to combat corruption.
Anwar is already facing pressure from both allies and the opposition after his government dropped numerous corruption charges against a crucial ally last week. The ally’s support is vital for the premier to maintain his parliamentary majority.
Najib, 70, is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in another corruption case related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). He also faces multiple additional graft charges.
The attorney-general’s chambers was anticipated to appeal Najib’s earlier acquittal this year on charges of abusing his position as prime minister to manipulate a government audit into 1MDB. However, Najib’s legal team at Shafee & Co stated in a press release that “the prosecution evidently found no grounds for appeal” and thus did not file a petition.
Najib had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the US Justice Department, an estimated US$4.5 billion (S$6.13 billion) was allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB by high-ranking officials and their associates between 2009 and 2014.
Anwar, who assumed power in November of last year, had vowed to combat corruption as part of his election campaign. However, concerns were raised when he formed a government in partnership with Najib’s party, which was tainted by corruption, and appointed officials accused of graft to senior positions.
On Sunday, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance announced its departure from Anwar’s ruling coalition, citing concerns following the dropping of graft charges against Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the country’s deputy premier.
Anwar has maintained that the decision to drop the case, which triggered a significant public backlash, was made without his interference.
