Former Malaysian PM in court for 1MDB corruption scandal
The High Court of Malaysia on August 28 started a hearing on the corruption charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak in relation to state investment fund 1 Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak (third from left) appears at the court on August 28. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The High Court of Malaysia on August 28 starteda hearing on the corruption charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razakin relation to state investment fund 1 Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).
In his opening statement, senior deputy publicprosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that as a key player in the scandal,Najib exerted his influence over the board of 1MDB and took away millions ofUSD to enrich himself.
Najib and his relatives were charged of embezzling a huge amount of money fromthe fund to buy real estate and many other assets.
Besides, Najib was accused of interfering in the course of investigation intothe scandal.
According to Gobal, fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low,is an important figure in the case. He faces criminal charges in Malaysia andthe US over his alleged central role in the case. He colluded with Najib incarrying out the illegal transfers of money.
At the court, Najib, 66, denied all the charges. Prosecutors had a plan toinvite about 60 witnesses to the trial that is likely to be lengthy andcomplex.
Najib is facing 21 counts of money laundering and four of abuse of power forallegedly receiving illegal transfers of at least 2.28 billion MYR (540 millionUSD) from the 1MDB fund between 2011 and 2014.-VNA
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Former Prime Minister Najib Razak (third from left) appears at the court on August 28. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
