AP

Malaysia ex-PM begins final bid to toss out graft conviction

Aug 14, 2022, 8:52 AM | Updated: Aug 15, 2022, 12:59 am

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, wearing a face mask arrives at Court of Appeal...

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, wearing a face mask arrives at Court of Appeal in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. Malaysia's top court Monday began hearing a final appeal by Najib to toss out his graft conviction linked to the massive looting of the 1MDB state fund. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s top court Monday began hearing a final appeal by former Prime Minister Najib Razak to toss out his graft conviction linked to the massive looting of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund.

He would become Malaysia’s first former prime minister to be imprisoned if his case fails. Najib, 69, has reiterated his innocence and has been out on bail pending his appeals.

He was sentenced to 12 years in jail by a high court in July 2020 after being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering for illegally receiving 42 million ringgit ($9.4 million) from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB.

The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence in December, describing the case as a “national embarrassment.” His last avenue, the Federal Court, is scheduled to hear the case until Aug. 26.

Najib has changed to a new team of lawyers for his final appeal. His defense team is attempting to introduce new evidence that could spark a retrial, citing conflict of interest by the high court judge who convicted Najib.

The defense said in their submission that High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali was biased due to his previous job at a bank that provided financial services to 1MDB. Defense counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the court must ensure there is “no miscarriage of justice” by considering a retrial and declaring Najib’s conviction and sentence null and void.

Prosecutor Sithambaram Vairavan noted that this was the second time the defense sought to introduce new evidence after an earlier bid was disallowed. He said the judge’s background was public knowledge from the start of the trial and that SRC was never a customer of the bank. He slammed it as a flawed request made in bad faith to delay the conclusion of the case.

1MDB was a development fund Najib set up shortly after taking power in 2009. Investigators allege at least $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund and laundered by Najib’s associates.

The scandal sparked investigations in the U.S. and several other countries and caused the downfall of Najib’s government in 2018 elections. Najib faces a total of 42 charges in five separate trials linked to 1MDB, and his wife is also on trial for corruption.

Despite his graft conviction, Najib remains politically influential. His United Malays National Organization leads the current government after defections of lawmakers caused the collapse of the reformist government that won the 2018 polls.

Najib is still a lawmaker pending his appeal but he cannot contest if an early general election is called. National polls are not due until the second half of 2023, but there have been strong calls from UMNO leaders for early elections.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AP

Photo: Attendees look on during the Presentation of the Colors at the National Veterans Day Observa...

Russ Bynum, The Associated Press

Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time

The Veterans Day holiday began more than a century ago, albeit under a different name, as a celebration of the end of World War I. Over time its name and purpose evolved into a day of recognition for U.S. veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving in uniform.

3 hours ago

Photo: Beyonce appears at a campaign event for Kamala Harris in Houston, on Oct. 25, 2024. She is a...

Maria Sherman, AP Music Writer

Beyoncé leads the 2025 Grammy noms, becoming the most nominated artist in the show’s history

Welcome to Beyoncé country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, “Cowboy Carter” rules the nation.

3 days ago

California wilfires...

Associated Press

Winds fuel Southern California wildfires that has forced thousands to evacuate

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day.

4 days ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee V...

Associated Press

The campaign for president enters its final push on the eve of Election Day

The presidential campaign comes down to a final push across a handful of states on the eve of Election Day.

7 days ago

Steve Bannon appears in court in New York, Jan. 12, 2023. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP)...

Dave Collins, The Associated Press

Trump ally Steve Bannon is released after serving 4 months in prison

Longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon was released from prison early Tuesday, after serving a four-month sentence.

13 days ago

Photo: The Boeing logo is displayed in El Segundo, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2011....

KIRO Newsradio Staff with Wire Reports

Boeing, in need of cash, looking to raise up to approximately $19B in offering

Boeing is looking to raise up to approximately $19 billion in a stock offering as the aerospace giant faces liquidity issues and tries to raise cash.

14 days ago

Malaysia ex-PM begins final bid to toss out graft conviction