Former prime minister faces up to 20 years’ jail and heavy fine
PUTRAJAYA: The High Court today found Datuk Seri Najib Razak guilty on his first abuse of power charge involving the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
In delivering the verdict, Federal Court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah said the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case.
Najib was found to have exploited his roles as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of 1MDB’s board of advisers to secure financial benefits totalling RM2.3 billion in four phases.
The charges fall under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act and carry penalties under Section 24(1) of the same law.
Upon conviction, Najib could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
He was also found guilty on the second and third abuse of power charges involving the same 1MDB funds.
