Najib ordered to mount defence in 1MDB corruption case

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's jailed former prime minister Najib Razak will have to mount a defence against charges related to receiving gratifications from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that were deposited into his bank accounts, as well as money laundering charges.

- Zunaira Saieed

On Oct 30, Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah at the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib to answer the charges on the grounds that the former prime minister was neither misled nor prejudiced concerning the charges against him.

"I find the charges fulfil all the legal criteria under the Criminal Procedure Code," said Justice Sequerah, noting that the charges against Najib were valid.

In response, Najib's lead counsel, Mr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said his client does not have anything to hide and will give evidence from the stand.

He also conveyed that his client, who was present in court, was "extremely disappointed" with the court's decision.

Najib, 71, faces four counts of abusing his position to receive illicit funds of RM2.28 billion (S$690 million) from the coffers of state-owned fund 1MDB and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same monies.

His trial is set to begin on Dec 2.

Mr Halmie Azrie Abdul Halim, a senior analyst at political risk consultancy Vriens & Partners, said the court's decision would mean another prolonged trial, which could take several years.

Najib, a former Umno president, stepped down from his position after the political party suffered its first-ever defeat in the 2018 General Election.