Economy

Malaysia’s top court refuses ex-PM Najib’s bid for review

  • 31. Mar 2023. 9:46
  • By The EU Times
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Malaysia's top court on Friday refused former Prime Minister Najib Razak's bid for a review of his corruption conviction, a decision that could see him jailed for up to 12 years.

The Federal Court, the nation's highest court, rejected Najib's appeal for a review of his conviction on seven charges of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering. The decision is final, and the former prime minister could face up to 12 years in prison.

Najib, the former leader of the Barisan Nasional coalition, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a $49 million fine in July after he was found guilty of misappropriating $10.5 million from a state fund. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Najib had filed a petition asking the Federal Court to review the conviction, claiming the decision was based on a misapplication of the law. His lawyers argued that the charges should have been dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

However, the court rejected the appeal, ruling that the conviction was sound and that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove Najib's guilt.

Najib's conviction was the first of several high-profile cases against him and other former government officials. He is also facing separate charges related to a massive financial scandal involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund.

The former prime minister has denied any wrongdoing in all the cases, saying he is the victim of a political witch hunt.

The court's ruling on Friday is a major blow for Najib, who had been hoping to have the conviction overturned. It is also a victory for the new government, which has vowed to fight corruption and hold those responsible to account.