Malaysian ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak undergoes his first 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) trial today. In his first defense, Najib claimed that he was innocent and the fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) set him up.
“Najib is not part of the conspiracy. He is a victim as much as others in the 1MDB scandal,” said his lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. “The leader of the pack is Jho Low.”
Najib 1MDB scandal involved a multi billion dollar of corruption during the prime minister’s regime. Among the controversies surrounding the scandal is the transfer of USD 10.1 million from former 1MDB unit SRC International into Najib’s bank accounts.
Accordingly, the allegation to Najib is that the huge amount of money was distributed to him and his cronies. They, furthermore, proceeded to use the money to purchase various materials from real estates to artworks.
However, following his coalition’s last year defeat, Najib has since been charged with numerous cases linked to the looting of the investment vehicle. Despite that, Najib pleaded not guilty.
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Charges Regarding Najib and the 1MDB Scandal
Reportedly, there is a total of seven charges against ex-PM Najib on the 1MDB scandal. The seven charges were filed in July 4 and August 8 last year.
Accordingly, three charges are pertinent to breach of trust under Section 409 Penal Code. The penalties range from 2 up to 20 years in prison, whipping, and fine.
Another charge is regarding the abuse of power under Section 23, MACC Act 2009. The penalties are maximum 20 years in jail and fine which amount is either RM 10.000 or minimum 5% of the total fund.
The other three charges are pertaining to money-laundering under Section 4(1)(b), AMLATFPUAA. The penalties include maximum 15 years serve in prison and a fine worth of RM 5 million or minimum 5% of money.
In response to the charges, Najib will have to attend defense trial in three dates, which will run from December 3 to 4, December 9 to 12, and December 16 to 19.
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