A Malaysian court on Friday found Malaysian ex-PM Najib Razak guilty of abusing his power in a major corruption case. The ruling is part of the long-running 1MDB financial scandal. The case is considered the biggest trial linked to the state fund.
The judge began reading the verdict but had not yet completed sentencing. The decision could have serious political consequences in Malaysia. Najib has denied all allegations throughout the proceedings.
Investigators in Malaysia and the United States say billions were misused from 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The fund was created in 2009 when Najib was prime minister. Authorities believe at least $4.5 billion was taken from the fund.
Prosecutors say more than $1 billion entered accounts linked to Najib. He has repeatedly rejected these claims. He says he did not knowingly receive illegal money.
The Malaysian ex-PM faces four corruption charges and 21 money laundering charges. These relate to illegal transfers exceeding 2.3 billion ringgit. The judge said evidence showed Najib misused his position at 1MDB.
The court rejected Najib’s claim that the charges were politically motivated. The judge said evidence clearly showed abuse of authority. Najib held extensive power over the fund’s operations.
Najib could face long prison terms for each conviction. Sentences may range from 15 to 20 years per charge. He may also be fined up to five times the disputed amount.
The former leader has already been in prison since August 2022. That followed an earlier conviction linked to a 1MDB unit. His original 12-year sentence was reduced last year.
During the trial, the judge highlighted Najib’s close ties with fugitive financier Jho Low. The court said Low acted as an intermediary in 1MDB dealings. Low denies wrongdoing and remains at large.
Najib claimed he believed the funds were Saudi donations. The judge dismissed this explanation as unlikely. Letters supporting the claim were not backed by evidence.
The verdict has raised tensions within the current government. Najib’s party is part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition. Some party leaders criticized a recent decision denying Najib house arrest.
Anwar urged calm following the ruling. He called on all sides to respect the court’s decision. The case remains a key test for Malaysia’s legal and political stability.
In other related news also read Malaysia Hosts 3C Forum to Strengthen Malaysia-Pakistan Ties Through MTCP Alumni
The ruling reinforces accountability efforts involving the Malaysian ex-PM. The final sentence is expected after the verdict reading concludes.
