The High Court completed arguments in Najib Razak’s RM2.3 billion 1MDB case, with a verdict on corruption charges set to be handed down on Dec 26.
PUTRAJAYA: The High Court has completed hearings into former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s RM2.3 billion 1Malaysia Development Berhad case.
Judge Datuk Colin Lawrence Sikerah will deliver his verdict on 26 December, which will determine whether Najib will be convicted or acquitted.
Both the defense and the prosecution completed their final oral arguments before the court today.
The parties informed the court that minor outstanding issues would be presented in writing as directed.
The proceedings ended with an exchange of Christmas greetings between all the parties and the judge.
The hearing was extended last Friday after lead defense lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafie Abdullah requested additional time for submissions.
The high-profile trial involved 50 prosecution witnesses and nine days of oral submissions.
Najib was initially charged on September 20, 2018, with the trial starting almost a year later on August 28, 2019.
The prosecution closed its case on May 30, 2024, after presenting extensive evidence.
The court ruled on October 30, 2024 that Najib faced a case to answer and ordered him to defend himself on all charges.
The defense case lasted for 58 hearing days from December 2, 2024 to May 6, 2025.
Twenty-six witnesses testified on behalf of the defense during this period.
Key defense witnesses included former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamaruddin.
Tengku Datuk Rahima Sultan Mahmud, sister of the Sultan of Terengganu, also came to the rescue.
Former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Bahrom also testified.
Najib faces four charges of using his position to obtain gratifications totaling RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds.
The crimes allegedly occurred between February 24, 2011, and December 19, 2014, at MIslamic Bank Berhad.
The charges fall under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
If found guilty, there is a provision of maximum imprisonment of 20 years and heavy fine.
Najib also faces 21 additional charges of money laundering offences.
The money laundering charges relate to activities between March 22, 2013, and August 30, 2013.
These charges come under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
A conviction for money laundering carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM5 million.
The prosecution was initially led by former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram until his death in January 2023.
Deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Datuk Kamal Baharin Omar later handled the case.
He was assisted by a team of seven Additional Deputy Public Prosecutors.
Najib’s defense team included Datuk Tania Civetti and four other lawyers.
The former Prime Minister is currently serving his sentence in Kajang Prison for the SRC International case. His imprisonment comes after he pleaded guilty to embezzling RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd – Bernama.
Post View: 1
