KUALA LUMPUR, November 7 — The High Court has granted permission for the prosecution to amend three of the 25 charges against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial. The amendments pertain to the amounts of 1MDB funds specified in these charges, with no change to the prosecution’s narrative, ensuring no prejudice to Najib’s defense. The judge asserted that there was “nothing sinister or mala fide” about these amendments. The defense can recall witnesses for addressing these amendments, according to Section 162 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The amendments were made to reflect court testimony from prosecution witnesses who had specific knowledge of the money trail in the 1MDB case. The court accepted the amendments to ensure that the accused person is informed with accuracy about the charge against him. Despite Najib’s status as a former prime minister, the judge emphasized that all accused persons should be treated equally under the law. As the 1MDB trial proceedings were adjourned due to COVID-19 concerns, Najib’s legal team is expected to determine which witnesses to recall, and the prosecution will make necessary arrangements accordingly.
Najib faces four charges of power abuse and 21 charges of money laundering related to 1MDB funds, with the amendments reducing the amounts specified in the charges. The court ruled the amendments are permissible under Section 158 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The trial will resume if Najib and his legal team test negative for COVID-19, following a temporary adjournment due to positive cases in Najib’s legal firm.
