The prosecution in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial told the High Court that the former prime minister should be found guilty of abusing his authority for personal gain, asserting that he was the ultimate beneficiary of both political power and financial rewards derived from the 1MDB scandal.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib said Najib’s involvement went beyond mere oversight, as he allegedly manipulated his multiple positions — as prime minister, finance minister, chairman of 1MDB’s board of advisers, and head of its sole shareholder, MOF Inc — to influence key decisions that eventually channelled billions into his personal accounts.
Akram contended that Najib benefited directly and indirectly from the scheme, not only by receiving substantial sums of money but also by securing his political dominance. “He was the biggest beneficiary of this entire affair,” Akram argued, explaining that the accused maintained both his position in government and his leadership within his party through the misuse of 1MDB’s resources.
Najib’s defence, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has maintained that the US$681 million (RM2.08 billion) deposited into Najib’s account in 2013 was a legitimate donation from Saudi Arabia. The defence claimed the funds were intended to assist Najib during the 13th general election, citing alleged assurances from the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in 2010.
However, the prosecution dismissed this narrative as implausible, arguing that Najib had produced no genuine documentation to verify the so-called donation. Akram said the timing of the transactions, which coincided with major 1MDB financial movements, further indicated that the funds had originated from the state investment company.
He also argued that Najib’s failure to conduct any due diligence before accepting vast sums into his personal account undermined his credibility. As both prime minister and finance minister, Najib would have been expected to question such inflows, Akram said, but instead, he accepted and used the money without inquiry.
The prosecution also pointed to Najib’s close relationship with fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, highlighting how Najib benefited from Low’s behind-the-scenes orchestration of 1MDB transactions.
Akram concluded that the evidence had proven all four abuse-of-power charges against Najib beyond reasonable doubt, supported by credible witnesses and financial trails linking the former prime minister directly to misappropriated 1MDB funds.
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