News Desk
JAKARTA: A Malaysian court has found former prime minister Najib Razak guilty in another major corruption case, convicting him on charges of abuse of power and money laundering linked to the misuse of state investment funds.
According to international news agencies, the verdict relates to the long-running scandal involving the embezzlement of billions of ringgit from state-linked investment vehicles. The court ruled that the 72-year-old former leader was guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering.
In its decision, the court said Najib had illegally obtained around 2.3bn Malaysian ringgit from state funds — a sum equivalent to about $569m at the exchange rates at the time. The ruling follows a legal process that has stretched over seven years. The court said sentencing would be announced at a later date. Prosecutors in the case presented testimony from 76 witnesses.
Najib has been in prison since 2022, serving sentences related to earlier convictions. Only days ago, a court rejected his request to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Despite repeated guilty verdicts, a section of Najib’s supporters continues to describe the cases against him as politically motivated and unfair.
On the day of the ruling, dozens of supporters gathered outside the court, chanting slogans in his favor. The case remains one of the most significant corruption scandals in Malaysia’s history, with far-reaching political and institutional consequences.
