Kuala lumpur: The High Court today sentenced Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to 15 years in prison and imposed a total fine of RM11.4 billion after finding him guilty on charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. Najib was convicted on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in funds linked to 1MDB.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who previously presided over the 1MDB trial, delivered the verdict. He sentenced Najib to 15 years' imprisonment for each of the four charges of abuse of power, along with the hefty fine. Additionally, Najib received a five-year sentence for each of the 21 money laundering charges, though no fine was imposed for these offenses.
The 72-year-old former prime minister will serve all sentences concurrently, resulting in a total imprisonment period of 15 years. However, the sentence will only commence after Najib completes his existing six-year prison term in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, which concludes on August 23, 2028.
Justice Sequerah considered various mitigating factors presented by both the defense and prosecution, as well as public interest, in determining the sentence. He emphasized the significance of both imprisonment and financial penalties under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
Furthermore, the judge ordered Najib to pay a recoverable sum of RM2,081,476,926 under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, with a potential additional imprisonment of 270 months for non-payment.
The court proceedings, which began at 9:15 am and concluded at 9 pm, were marked by extensive submissions and deliberations. Najib, dressed in a blue suit, maintained a calm demeanor throughout the session, attended by his family and supporters.
The charges against Najib include using his position to secure RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds through the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch between February 24, 2011, and December 19, 2014. These charges fall under the MACC Act, which prescribes a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and a substantial fine upon conviction.
The 21 money laundering charges pertain to offenses committed at the same bank between March 22, 2013, and August 30, 2013. These charges carry a potential penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to RM5 million.
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Datuk Kamal Baharin Omar, supported by a team of legal experts. At the conclusion of the proceedings, Najib's counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.