PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — A Malaysian court on Friday convicted former Prime Minister Najib Razak of abusing his power in connection with the 1MDB graft scandal, which involved the misappropriation of billions of dollars from the country’s former sovereign wealth fund.
The Putrajaya court found that Najib used his positions as prime minister and finance minister to influence decisions tied to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a government investment company established in 2009. Judicial officers said evidence showed Najib’s role in transactions that allegedly diverted funds for personal gain.
Prosecutors presented financial records, documents, and witness testimony tracing 1MDB-linked money through various accounts and entities.
Najib, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, is already serving a six-year sentence in a separate 1MDB-related corruption case. Legal analysts say the new conviction is expected to extend his time in custody, pending appeals.
The judge informed Najib of his right to appeal and set deadlines for filing the necessary documents. Sentencing will be scheduled later after submissions from both the prosecution and defense.
Authorities in Malaysia and abroad, including the United States and Singapore, continue efforts to recover 1MDB assets and strengthen oversight of state-linked investment entities.
