1MDB trial: Najib arrives before the decision

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has arrived at the Jalan Duta Court Complex here, ahead of the end-of-case decision of the prosecutor in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) money laundering trial.

It is learned that he was brought in through a separate entrance around 8.35am.

The main gate of the Kuala Lumpur court complex was closed at around 8.30am.

Six years after he was charged, Najib will know later on Wednesday (Oct 30) whether he will be acquitted or called to the defense on four counts of abusing his position for the payment of RM2.28bil from 1MDB’s treasury and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same funds.

Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah will make his ruling at the conclusion of the prosecution’s case.

Najib is expected to arrive at 9am for the Supreme Court proceedings.

He will be called to conduct his defense if the court establishes a prima facie case. An accused who is called to participate in his defense may choose to testify under oath from the witness stand, make a statement from the dock, or remain silent.

However, if a prima facie case is not made, the court will acquit Najib of the charges.

Last Thursday (Oct 24), Najib publicly apologized to all Malaysians for the 1MDB scandal during his tenure as Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

In a statement read by his son Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex where his trial is currently being held, Najib said that after much consideration he decided to make the statement during his 26-month prison sentence for his conviction in the RM42mil SRC International . Sdn Bhd graft trial and following key recent developments regarding 1MDB.

“It pains me to know that the 1MDB debacle took place under my watch as Finance Minister and Prime Minister. For that, I would like to offer my unreserved apologies to the Malaysian people,” Nizar read.

According to the amended indictment, the former Pekan MP faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.28 billion from 1MDB’s funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.