KUALA LUMPUR, December 5 – Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak defended himself in the 1MDB trial today, dismissing allegations that he misused his position to pocket US$20 million. Testifying in the High Court, Najib argued it was illogical to believe he would jeopardize his 40-year political career as Malaysia’s prime minister and finance minister for such a sum, especially when others involved allegedly benefited far more significantly.
Najib accused fugitive financier Jho Low, PetroSaudi officials Tarek Obaid and Patrick Mahony, of orchestrating the misappropriation of 1MDB funds, claiming he had no role in the scheme. Highlighting disparities, he noted that while the prosecution linked US$20 million to his account, Low reportedly received US$547 million, with Obaid and Mahony also gaining substantial amounts.
Najib further criticized the prosecution’s money trail report, asserting it distorted facts, and labeled the charges as baseless. He is facing 25 criminal charges related to the 1MDB scandal, including abuse of power and money laundering.
