Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Najib has publicly questioned the fairness of the judicial outcome in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case, expressing frustration that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, widely known as Jho Low, has yet to be brought before the courts despite being portrayed as a central figure in the scandal. His remarks followed the conviction of his father, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, which was delivered by the Putrajaya High Court on December 26, 2025.
Nizar said it was deeply troubling that Jho Low, who has long been accused of orchestrating the diversion of billions of ringgit from 1MDB, remained at large while others faced prosecution. He also questioned the prosecution’s decision to rely on testimony from individuals who were allegedly involved in the same financial scheme, arguing that this raised serious concerns about consistency and accountability in the legal process.
The 1MDB scandal, which has drawn global attention, involved the alleged misappropriation of more than US$4 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. Investigators have said the funds were channelled through complex international transactions and later used to finance an extravagant lifestyle that included luxury properties, artwork, private aircraft, jewellery, and a superyacht. Jho Low has been accused of playing a key role in managing and directing these transactions, particularly during his time operating in the United States and other financial centres.
In comments made on December 27, 2025, Nizar questioned why those believed to have collaborated with Jho Low were allowed to testify in court proceedings, while the alleged mastermind remained beyond the reach of Malaysian authorities. He suggested that this imbalance weakened public confidence in the justice system, particularly in a case of such national significance.
Nizar also raised doubts over the treatment of evidence during the trial. He pointed to earlier findings by enforcement agencies and government authorities which, according to him, had previously concluded that funds deposited into Najib’s personal accounts were donations from Saudi Arabia. He argued that the court proceedings relied too heavily on hearsay and indirect testimony, rather than addressing these earlier conclusions in a consistent manner.
Despite his criticism of the verdict, Nizar reaffirmed his family’s support for Najib, saying they would continue to stand by him throughout the legal process. He also expressed appreciation for individuals who had offered encouragement and solidarity during what he described as a painful period for the family.
In delivering his decision, High Court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah rejected Najib’s defence that the funds were legitimate foreign donations. The judge found that evidence showed instructions issued by Jho Low were treated by senior 1MDB officials as if they originated directly from Najib, reinforcing the prosecution’s case.
Najib was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted on 25 charges, including money laundering and abuse of power, marking one of the most significant rulings in Malaysia’s legal history.
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