HEARING ON SUBMISSIONS IN NAJIB’S 1MDB CASE ENDS, VERDICT A DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The hearing of submissions in the RM2.3 billion 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case involving Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the High Court here concluded today after both parties wrapped up their arguments.

The defence and prosecution completed their final oral submissions before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, with the verdict scheduled for Dec 26 to decide whether the former prime minister will be convicted or acquitted.

At the close of proceedings, both sides informed the court that there were still a few minor issues to be addressed, which will be submitted in writing as directed by the court.

Before adjourning, the parties also extended Christmas greetings to Justice Sequerah, who, in turn, expressed his appreciation to all involved.

The hearing, initially expected to conclude last Friday, was extended after Najib’s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, requested additional time to complete his submissions.

Last Friday, the judge granted the extension and announced that he would deliver the judgment on Dec 26.

The high-profile trial, which involved 50 prosecution witnesses and nine days of oral submissions, has drawn worldwide attention.

Najib, 72, was initially charged on Sept 20, 2018. The trial commenced almost a year later, on Aug 28, 2019, with the prosecution closing its case on May 30, 2024. 

Subsequently, on Oct 30, 2024, the court ruled that Najib had a case to answer and ordered him to enter his defence on all charges. The defence case proceeded from Dec 2, 2024, to May 6, 2025, spanning 58 days and hearing testimony from 26 witnesses.

Among the key defence witnesses were former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamarudin, sister to Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu, Tengku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom. 

Najib is facing four charges of using his position to obtain gratification totalling RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon here between February 24, 2011, and December 19, 2014.

He is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of either five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

For the 21 money laundering charges, Najib is accused of committing the offences at the same bank between March 22, 2013, and August 30, 2013.

These charges are framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.

The prosecution was initially led by former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram until his death in January 2023.

Subsequently, it was handled by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Datuk Kamal Baharin Omar, assisted by DPPs Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam, Deepa Nair Thevarahan, Nadia Mohd Izhar, Najwa Bistamam, Hazmida Harris Lee and Siti Aina Rodhiah Shikh Md Saud.

The other lawyers who appeared for Najib were Datuk Tania Scivetti, Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin, Wan Mohammad Arfan Wan Othman, Hartrisha Kaur Sandhu and Naresh Mayachandran.

Najib is currently serving his sentence in Kajang Prison for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. 

-- BERNAMA