KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak had everyone at the edge of their seats when testifying in his criminal trial for allegedly misappropriating billions of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds today.
The former prime minister, who had been testifying in English, suddenly switched to Bahasa Malaysia, stating that he felt he could convey his thoughts better in his mother tongue.
The drama unfolded when Najib's lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, asked him to share his thoughts on the challenges and injustices he believed were behind the charges, which he deemed politically motivated.
Najib said the injustice he has experienced and continues to endure is truly shocking, as his accusers, including former allies, have told lie after lie in their desperate efforts to save themselves and implicate him.
"They have exchanged facts for falsehoods and narratives to protect their own freedom and to cover up their weaknesses and mistakes.
"However, they live freely without any legal actions or even a hint of remorse, especially since all their wrongdoings and incompetencies have been easily overlooked.
"Their freedom was bought cheaply and so easily, simply by giving testimony in court to link me to the wrongdoings they themselves committed.
"For me, as a victim of this so-called 'reformed' system, which is supposed to uphold justice and fight corruption, this system has failed to fulfil its promise.
"Instead, it has become a tool to protect those who should be held accountable, ensuring they escape responsibility, while I am forced to face the prospect of being imprisoned for decades over charges I did not commit, solely to serve the political interests and survival of my opponents," he said before presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
However, Najib said he would not seek revenge, as it is not in his nature to lower himself or the institutions of government to behave in a similar manner.
"My opponents and those who have caused this injustice to me may deceive the world and be proud of their temporary victories, but they cannot deceive the Almighty, who sees everything.
"On the Day of Judgment, they will be held accountable for their lies, betrayals, and violations of justice and their laws.
"Undeniably, in my belief... the rulers of the country and the judges will be held accountable and questioned first.
"However, I believe that this priority is not due to their ranks or bloodlines because every human being is equal in the eyes of God," he said.
Najib stressed that he was a citizen of this country and deserves the same justice that others demand, questioning whether his critics' vision of justice excludes him.
"I hold deep respect for the principles that are the foundation of our country, including the wisdom and justice traditionally upheld by those entrusted with safeguarding the unity and justice of the nation.
"However, I cannot help but ask: where do I stand in this search for justice, and why has justice, at every opportunity, been blocked from reaching me?
"Justice is an unchanging concept, and not a role that is only fit for one individual.
"If justice is to be done to me, this struggle should also be fought; the fight is not limited to the one playing the role of 'justice'," he added.
Najib faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of laundering involving the same amount.
The trial continues.