KUALA LUMPUR, November 1 — The High Court has ordered former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to defend himself against 25 charges in the 1MDB trial, including allegations of receiving over RM2 billion in his personal bank accounts. Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah ruled that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case, necessitating Najib’s defence for both the four power abuse and 21 money-laundering charges related to 1MDB funds.
The trial will resume on December 2, with Najib choosing to testify under oath as his own witness. Despite his current six-year prison term for the SRC International case, this trial’s outcome will not impact that sentence. Najib’s legal team, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, requested extra preparation time, citing logistical challenges in coordinating with Najib while he is in prison.
The 1MDB trial will proceed with 97 scheduled hearing dates extending through November 2025, allowing for the preparation and examination of additional witnesses. Najib’s lawyers have not yet disclosed how many witnesses they intend to call in his defence.
