This is not the first time the former prime minister has faced trial; he was previously convicted in another case related to the same fund and is currently serving his sentence.
The investigation established that millions of euros were transferred to Razak's personal accounts. The defense claimed that he became a victim of manipulation and that these funds were "political donations" from Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the High Court of Kuala Lumpur stated that there was compelling evidence indicating that the former prime minister was aware of all financial transactions.
Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah dismissed the defense's version, noting that the documents from the alleged donor turned out to be forged, and the money actually came from the 1MDB fund. The court also rejected arguments that Razak had become a victim of actions by former officials of the fund and financier Low Taek Jho.
According to the case materials, witness testimonies indicate an "incontrovertible connection" between Razak and Low, who acted as his trusted agent and intermediary. The court emphasized that the former prime minister did not take the necessary steps to verify the sources of large sums and, on the contrary, used the funds for his own interests, removing the attorney general and the head of the anti-corruption agency who were conducting the investigation.
In 2022, Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in a separate bribery case; however, she is currently free on bail pending an appeal.
