Malaysia's ex-premier Najib to face 2nd corruption trial

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) — A Malaysian court on Wednesday asked former Prime Minister Najib Razak to stand trial on Dec. 2 in his second corruption case.

Najib, 71, was jailed in 2022 in cases related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund he established to spur economic development after becoming prime minister in 2009.

Asked to respond to 25 charges, the former prime minister, is expected to complete his defense within a 97-day period by Nov. 7 next year.

The High Court in Kuala Lumpur stated that the prosecution had established prima facie evidence that Najib abused his position as premier and charged him with 21 counts of money laundering, according to state-run Bernama News.

Public prosecutors allege Najib had vested interests in the 1MDB, from which more than $4.5 billion was stolen and laundered by his associates to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases.

Najib is currently serving his term in Kajang Prison in Selangor province.

Earlier this year, the Malaysian monarchy granted him a pardon, reducing his 12-year sentence by half.

Najib applied in July to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest, but the request was denied.

Notably, the Malaysian government is considering a new law that would allow authorities to place convicted individuals under house arrest.