Crime & Courts

Najib files 525-page defence ahead of 1MDB trial testimony

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak has submitted a 525-page document to support his defence in the corruption trial involving the alleged misappropriation of billions of ringgit from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Najib, through his counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, sent the document to the prosecution team via email today.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib confirmed this when contacted.

The former prime minister is slated to take the witness stand next week (Dec 2) after the High Court on Oct 30, ordered Najib to enter his defence on all criminal charges involving the 1MDB financial debacle.

Court of Appeal judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah who presided as the High Court judge made the ruling after stating that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Najib.

Najib, 71, is facing 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.

The former Pekan member of parliament 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.

He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 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, Najib is accused of committing the offences between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.

All these charges are under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years or both, upon conviction.

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