Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s 1MDB trial will continue after the judge found sufficient evidence

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will be called to his defense in 25 cases of abuse of power and money laundering, after a judge ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption case.

Judge Collin Lawrence Sequearah delivered the ruling at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (October 30).

The verdict came after twelve days of oral arguments by the prosecution and defense, which began on August 19 and ended on October 3.

The prosecution closed the case against Najib on May 30 and more than 50 witnesses have testified over the past five years, with the trial starting on August 28, 2019.

Najib, 71, was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

These offenses carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000 (US$2,290), whichever is higher.

On the 21 counts of money laundering, Najib is accused of committing the crimes between March 22, 2013 and August 30, 2013.