KUALA LUMPUR: After 235 days of trial spanning six years, the prosecution finally rests its case against Datuk Seri Najib Razak on four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion of bribes, and 21 charges of money laundering from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib announced the official closing of the prosecution's case, which involved testimonies from 50 witnesses.
"I hereby close the prosecution's case after 235 days of trial spanning six years, and hearing the testimonies from 50 prosecution witnesses," he said.
Najib was charged in the Sessions Court on Sept 20, 2018, and the case was allowed to be transferred to the High Court on Oct 31, 2018. The trial began on Aug 28, 2019.
Among the key witnesses called to testify were former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, former chief executive Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, and former 1MDB general counsel, Jasmine Loo Ai Swan.
Presiding judge, Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, then asked both parties to file written submissions on July 26.
The judge also fixed Aug 19 to Aug 22 for both parties to give their oral submissions.
The former prime minister is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACC), which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.
For the 21 charges of money laundering, the former Pekan member of parliament is accused of committing the offences between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.
All charges are under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA), which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.