KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Malaysia’s High Court convicted former Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday of all 25 charges related to the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion (S$727 million) from the 1MDB state fund, delivering a decisive verdict in one of Southeast Asia’s most notorious corruption cases.
Najib, 72, faced 21 money laundering counts and four abuse of power charges over RM2.28 billion funneled into his personal accounts via offshore entities. Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah ruled the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, rejecting claims of legitimate political donations or political motivation. “The transactions could not be explained as legitimate,” the judge stated after a four-hour judgment reading, highlighting Najib’s knowledge and control of the funds.
Key evidence included fabricated Arab donation letters, undermined by testimony from former AmBank manager Joanna Yu Ging Ping and ex-1MDB counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan. Loo described seeing an unsigned draft in a London hotel, while Sequerah noted one letter’s missing date and questionable AmBank stamp. “The court found that the letters were unverified and, at best, highly questionable,” he said.
The judge underscored fugitive financier Jho Low’s pivotal role as intermediary, citing his proximity to Najib and 1MDB dealings launched in 2009. No action was taken against Low despite scandals surfacing, Sequerah observed.The trial featured dozens of witnesses, including investigators, bankers, and 1MDB executives. Defence called former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng Chong Hwa, who denied Najib’s involvement in a looting conspiracy.
Najib faces up to 20 years per charge and fines up to five times the sums involved; sentencing awaits his expected Court of Appeal bid. The ruling strains Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, including Najib’s old party UMNO, following a recent house arrest denial.
Outside court, about 30 supporters rallied from dawn. UMNO branch secretary Suzzalina Anuar, 43, vowed unity: “We stand by him because he is a prime minister who truly cared about the people.” Fellow backer Hafiz Wal Basirun praised Najib’s aid to ordinary Malaysians via cash handouts, pledging continued support despite the seven-year ordeal.