KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak remained composed after being told to enter defence over charges of power abuse and money laundering related to his 1MDB case.
After Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah delivered the verdict, Najib, seated in the dock, rose with his walking stick and said, "I will give evidence under oath."
Najib's lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, then stood and added, "My client has nothing to hide."
Najib's family members, including his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and their children, Nooryana Najwa and Datuk Mohamad Nizar, were seen in the courtroom.
Also present were Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr. Muhammad Akmal Salleh, former Pahang menteri besar Tan Sri Adnan Yaakob, and former minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom.
Najib, 71, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
Earlier, Sequerah stated the prosecution had established a prima facie case, ruling that Najib must enter defence.
Najib is expected to take the witness stand on Dec 2.