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Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak had no idea millions in his accounts came from 1MDB, defence argues
- Lawyers for Najib Abdul Razak have argued for his acquittal of corruption charges related to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal
- Prosecutors have wrapped up their case and a decision on whether to acquit him or call for him to enter his defence will be delivered on November 11
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Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak did not know that millions of dollars transferred into his personal accounts came from scandal-linked state fund 1MDB, his lawyers said on Wednesday as prosecutors wrapped up their first case against the ex-premier.
Najib, 66, who lost a general election last year, is facing dozens of criminal charges over allegations that US$4.5 billion was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund he co-founded in 2009.
In the first case against him, Najib has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power over allegations that he illegally received transfers totalling 42 million ringgit (US$10 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.
Attorney general Tommy Thomas said in his closing submissions on Tuesday that Najib acted like an “emperor” and misused his positions as prime minister, finance minister and adviser to SRC to obtain the funds.
“In every part of the transaction, the accused had an important role to play. We say this was deliberate, premeditated, designed and planned by the accused as a corrupt act,” he said.
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