1MDB scandal: Malaysian court orders Najib Razak to enter defence in his second graft trial

Malaysia's High Court orders former Prime Minister Najib Razak to defend himself in second 1MDB corruption trial.

Malaysia's High Court on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) ordered imprisoned former Prime Minister Najib Razak to enter a defence in his second corruption trial over the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund.

Najib set up the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund shortly after taking power in 2009 to promote economic development, but the fund amassed billions in debt. Investigators allege that more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund and laundered by his associates to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases.

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The prosecution established its case on four charges of abuse of power to obtain more than $700 million from the fund that went into Najib's bank accounts between 2011 and 2014, and 21 counts of money-laundering involving the same amount, trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said on Wednesday (October 30, 2024.)

He said evidence showed Najib had a vested interest in 1MDB, and his pivotal role in all relevant transactions that eventually plunged the fund into debt. “Testimony by witnesses also contradicted Najib’s claim that the funds in his bank accounts were a donation from the Saudi Arabia royal family,” the judge said.

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The court called on Najib to make his defence, with the trial set to resume December 2. Calm in a blue suit throughout the proceedings, Najib (71) told the court he would testify under oath. Defence lawyer Mohamed Shafee Abdullah told reporters that Najib was disappointed with the court ruling.