A standing Datuk Seri Najib Razak fell into his seat in the dock upon hearing the Federal Court’s that the High Court judge did not err in sentencing him to 12 years in prison and a fine of RM210 million in relations to the embezzlement case of SRC International Sdn Bhd.
His wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor meanwhile was seen wiping hear tears as she held back her emotions; full of sadness and sorrow.
The court’s atmosphere, filled with Najib’s family and staff turned even more gloomy when Rosmah sat next to him accompanied by their children Norashaman and Nooryana Najwa.
These were their final moments with their loved one, before he - Najib - was taken to away in a black SUV that had been on standby mode behind the Palace of Justice in Presint 2, Putrajaya.
However, the irony here was the fact that not far from the the Palace of Justice was the beautiful Seri Perdana and Perdana Putra, Najib’s home and office when he was the country’s number one for about nine years. These were also the places - fated to be historical events including the SRC International and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, the biggest money heist in the world.
An hour has past since the ruling, Najib’s family, friends and supporters continued to stay in the court grounds.
They could only calm the Pekan Member of Parliament down as sadness engulfed him. Despite losing all his rights and freedom as a free man, he was remained cool and composed at the time.
At 5.30pm when this commentary was being written, 69-year old Najib was present in court in black suit did not move from the dock. What was certain, however, was the fact that a former Prime Minister would be sent to Kajang Prison.
There, Najib will have serve a 12-year prison sentence. Additionally, if he fails to settle the RM210 fine, he would need to face another five years of incarceration.
Many believe Najib’s family and hardcore supporters including those who had gone out to the court grounds to cry their hearts out publicly after the decision would try their best to settle the fine.
Also present in the courtroom was his strongest and loyal supporter Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He sat at the public gallery and watched the ruling.
The Umno President can now imagine a similar atmosphere once his turn comes, if he too were to be found guilty at the Kuala Lumpur High Court for his charges.
Zahid is currently on trial for 12 charges of abuse of power, eight bribery charges and 27 money laundering charges involving ten of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akal Budi, a charity foundation he established.
On Jan 24, the court made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Zahid and ordered him to enter defence.
Amidst all the chaos that was happening, Najib’s daughter nicknamed Yana wrote “I’m sorry daddy... Maybe we didn’t fight hard enough. Maybe we placed our fullest trust in our justice system...”
The Federal Court on Tuesday stated that Najib’s defence were inconsistent and failed to raise reasonable doubt. While reading the verdict, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said High Court Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali had considered the defence’s explanation in detail and carried out an analysis on the case.
She said the court could not conclude anywhere that Mohd Nazlan and the Court of Appeal were wrong. She, who chaired a five-man panel, said the defendant's defence was completely inconsistent and diametrically opposed to one another.
https://www.change.org/p/cancel-najib-s-pardon
Sentence halved for Malaysia's ex-PM Najib, jailed in 1MDB scandal
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Former Malaysian premier Najib Razak, who was convicted of graft over the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, could be released by 2028 after his jail sentence was halved, prompting uproar from critics who called on the government to explain the decision.
The pardons board, chaired by Malaysia's king, said on Friday it made the decision this week after reviewing an application for a royal pardon by Najib, who began serving a 12-year jail term in August 2022. It did not give a reason.
The reduction in Najib's sentence comes amid accusations that current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is backsliding on promised reforms, after a string of corruption cases linked to Najib and leaders with ties to his party were dropped last year.
Anwar has long campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, but joined hands with Najib's graft-tainted party, the United National Malays Organisation (UMNO), to form a government in November 2022, after an election that resulted in a hung parliament.
The board's decision on Monday was among the last acts of former king Al-Sultan Abdullah of Pahang state, who ended his five-year reign under Malaysia's rotating system of monarchy this week. He was succeeded on Wednesday by Sultan Ibrahim from Johor in southern Malaysia.
Anwar said he respected the king's decision, adding that the pardons process was "beyond the prime minister or the government".
Other corruption trials faced by Najib will continue, Anwar said.
"At the same time, Najib has every right to again appeal to the king. The process has to be respected," he said in an interview with broadcaster Al Jazeera on Friday.
Malaysia's king plays a ceremonial role and acts largely on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet. But the monarch can grant clemency to convicts under discretionary powers granted by the federal constitution, with advice from a pardons board.
FINES REDUCED
Najib's daughter, Nooryana Najwa Najib, said his family appreciated the reduced sentence but were disappointed he was not granted a full pardon and released immediately.
"Najib Razak and his family remain steadfast in our position and confidence that he is innocent," she said in an Instagram post.
In addition to commuting Najib's sentence, the pardons board also reduced fines imposed on the ex-premier to 50 million ringgit ($10.59 million) from 210 million ringgit. An additional year would be imposed on his reduced jail term if he failed to pay the fine.
Youth party MUDA, which withdrew its support for Anwar last year citing corruption concerns, called on the government to explain the rationale for the decision.
"This will have a great impact on Malaysia's image in the eyes of the world, including our reputation, in terms of the economy and the legal system," it said.
Najib was convicted for graft linked to state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), from which U.S. and Malaysian investigators estimate $4.5 billion was stolen and more than $1 billion channelled to accounts linked to the former premier.
Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing, saying he was misled by fugitive financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials over the source of the funds and that he believed they were donations from the Saudi royal family.
Najib was voted out of power in 2018 amid public anger over 1MDB, ending the rule of UMNO, which had governed Malaysia for six decades since independence.
UMNO returned to power two years later, amid political turmoil. It was voted out again in the 2022 election, but partnered with Anwar's coalition to form a majority.
Najib remains on trial in several other corruption cases linked to 1MDB.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-pardons-board-halves-jail-sentence-jailed-ex-pm-najib-2024-02-02/
Najib’s Son Likens His Father’s Imprisonment To Mandela, Saying That He Will Emerge As A Better Person
The internet was furious when Nizar Najib recently compared his father’s current hardships with the late and former President of South Africa.
The son of former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has said that his father will persevere through his imprisonment in the same way Nelson Mandela did during his time in prison.
He was certain that the Pekan MP would emerge from prison as a better person.
Why was Nelson Mandela imprisoned?
Canadian Museum of Natural History stated Mandela fought against the South African system of racial supremacy known as apartheid. Under apartheid, each individual was classified as “white/European,” “black,” “coloured,” or “Indian/Asian.”
Non-white South Africans possessed little political influence. Every element of people’s lives was dictated by restrictive rules, including where they could live, work, and travel, and their access to education, healthcare, and other social services.
Several South Africans opposed apartheid. There were campaigns of civil disobedience, national strikes, and boycotts. Young attorney Nelson Mandela joined this campaign in the 1940s. In the 1950s, he was a prominent leader in the fight against apartheid.
After being convicted and sentenced to five years at Robben Island Prison, he was tried for sabotage in 1964. In June 1964, he and several other African National Congress (ANC) officials were convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Mandela was an inspiration to many people.
Why was Najib Razak imprisoned?
Najib on the other hand, was found guilty on numerous charges. Straits Times stated that he was sent to jail due to the theft of millions of dollars from a company associated with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). 1MDB was a sovereign fund established in 2009 to foster economic growth with the assistance of Malaysian financier Jho Low.
The Federal Court, the highest court in Malaysia, upheld Najib’s conviction on seven counts of abuse of authority, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust regarding 1MDB affiliate SRC International.
Straits Times also stated that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) reported approximately $4.5 billion (S$6.3 billion) was routed to offshore bank accounts and shell corporations, many of which were tied to Low, during its largest kleptocracy investigation ever.
The intended purpose of the stolen funds was for national benefits. All of the stolen funds were apparently used to purchase expensive items like handbags and jewelry.
Najib is incarcerated due to his involvement in the scandal.
https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2022/09/06/najibs-son-likens-his-fathers-imprisonment-to-mandela-saying-that-he-will-emerge-as-a-better-person/
Najib admitted to hospital, says his special officer
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been admitted to hospital, says his special officer.
"He is currently being treated at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. I wish to thank prison authorities and Hospital Kuala Lumpur staff for the cooperation and help given," said Muhamad Mukhlis Maghribi.
However, further details of Najib's ailment which requires treatment is unavailable.
Astro Awani reported a prison officer as saying that Najib's condition was stable and he was getting the required treatment
Meanwhile, a source said that the former prime minister is believed to be getting a medical check-up following an unknown episode in prison.
“We will know after the appropriate check-up. It may take a while,” added the source.
Another news portal reported that the former prime minister was sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur due to intestinal bleeding.
The former prime minister is currently serving a 12-year sentence in Kajang Prison following the Federal Court’s decision on Aug 23 to uphold his corruption conviction involving RM42mil of SRC International funds. Also upheld was a RM210mil fine against him.
Najib is facing four other criminal charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/2022/09/04/najib-admitted-to-hospital-says-prison-officer
Petition for Malaysia’s king not to give Najib a royal pardon gains more than 80k signatures
In less than 24 hours, an online petition requesting Malaysia’s king to reject giving convicted former premier Najib Abdul Razak a royal pardon has gained more than eighty thousand signatures on Change.org. The petition was set up by The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) yesterday.
As of 12pm today, the petition has gained 82,224 signatures.
The 69-year-old became the first ever Malaysian prime minister to be convicted and jailed on Tuesday. He is currently serving time in Kajang Prison after the Federal Court dismissed his final appeal over his sentence and conviction in the SRC International case, which involved the embezzlement of RM42 million.
“Najib Razak has just been found guilty by the country’s highest court but some parties are already thinking of applying for a royal pardon from DYMM YDP Agong. We cannot let this happen. Sign this petition to submit to YDP Agong,” Bersih said in its petition.
According to lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, the Pekan member of parliament can seek a royal pardon if he wishes but he must serve some time in prison.
“All individuals found guilty and sentenced are entitled to seek a royal pardon under Article 42 (1) of the Federal Constitution.
“However, they have to go through a prison sentence first for a certain period, then the Pardons Board, in regular meetings, will ask for reports from the prison to be prepared and advised to His Majesty, including a written report from the Attorney General before the pardon is granted,” Haniff told The Star.
In Bersih’s letter to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, it wrote:
Daulat Tuanku,
We, your loyal subjects, humbly appeal to Your Majesty, not to exercise your discretion to pardon former Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for his crime against the Malaysian public. He has been convicted of stealing public funds in the SRC International case and had been given due process of a fair trial
As the Rakyat, we had to suffer the impact of corruption by elected officials who enriched themselves with our national wealth instead of using it to develop this country.
Even if Najib had no shame for what he has done, we the Rakyat had to live with the indignity of being known for the world’s largest case of kleptocracy.
With all our hearts we appeal to Your Majesty to consider our request to deny any appeal for pardon by Najib, who has brought shame to this country. As a nation, we must not tolerate corruption or the corrupt, whoever that person may be. Let Najib serve his 12 years in jail and pay the RM210 million fine so as to serve as an example to any leaders who think they can corruptly abuse their position of authority.
Your Majesty, help us to uplift our heads high once again, to make us proud again as Malaysians.
A royal pardon is not an uncommon practice in Malaysia. Former Selangor menteri besar, the late
Harun Idris, was given a pardon after he was convicted for corruption in the 1970s.
Another example is the late former minister Mokhtar Hashim, who was sentenced to death for the murder of legislative assembly speaker Taha Talib in 1982 and was also given a pardon.
The latest royal pardon was given to Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim in 2018 after he was jailed in 2015.
All three served some time in prison before they were pardoned.
Meanwhile, in the 1MDB trial, Najib is being charged with corruption over the misappropriation of RM2.28 billion in 1MDB funds. He is facing 25 charges, four for abuse of power and 21 for money laundering, for offenses allegedly committed between 2011 and 2013.
https://coconuts.co/kl/news/petition-for-malaysias-king-not-to-give-najib-a-royal-pardon-gains-more-than-80k-signatures/
One down, four more cases to go for Malaysia's jailed ex-PM Najib
PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak, now in jail for misappropriating millions of dollars from a company linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), has four more pending court cases.
Najib, 69, is facing another trial involving SRC International, a firm that was a subsidiary of state fund 1MDB.
He is being charged with three counts of money laundering totalling RM27 million (S$8.4 million), and is alleged to have received the money at AmIslamic Bank Bhd's Jalan Raja Chulan branch, Kuala Lumpur, on July 8, 2014.
His second case involves four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money-laundering involving the same amount.
For his third case, Najib and former Treasury official Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah are facing joint charges of six criminal breaches of trust involving RM6.64 billion of government funds in their capacity as finance minister and Treasury secretary-general respectively.
All the offences were allegedly committed at the Finance Ministry Complex, Putrajaya, between Dec 21, 2016, and Dec 18, 2017.
The duo face up to 20 years' jail and whipping, as well as a fine if convicted.
Another pending case is the 1MDB audit report tampering case where Najib is charged with power abuse.
Former 1MDB chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy is charged with abetting him.
Najib was said to have used his position to order amendments to the 1MDB final audit report before it was presented to the Public Accounts Committee to avoid any action being taken against him.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Prime Minister's Department Complex, Federal Government Administrative Centre in Putrajaya between Feb 22 and 26, 2016.
Both face a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if they are convicted.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/one-down-four-more-cases-to-go-for-malaysias-jailed-ex-pm-najib
Poor Jib Kor....
Najib was a good friend of Singapore. He will be missed.
Ex-AG: Najib can seek royal pardon, but will have to serve 'considerable' jail time first
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak could write to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in a bid for clemency over his conviction in the SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case, but he will have to serve time first, former attorney-general (AG) Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman reportedly said.
Abu Talib was a prosecutor in the late 1970s when the late former Selangor chief minister Datuk Harun Idris was convicted for corruption and the AG in 1982 when the late former culture, youth and sports minister Datuk Mokhtar Hashim was convicted for the murder of Datuk Mohamad Taha Talib, the then-speaker of Negri Sembilan legislative assembly.
"Both were granted a pardon only after serving jail terms for some time,” he was quoted as saying by online news portal Free Malaysia Today.
Lawyer Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar Al Mahdzar reportedly spoke further on the process, saying: "I think Najib would have to serve a considerable [amount of] time before he can get clemency as he did not put forward mitigating factors before the apex court."
Syed Iskandar reportedly cited the case of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was given a royal pardon in 2018 after serving three years in jail for sexual misconduct against a former aide.
He also reportedly said that the Agong must act on advice despite the power of pardon being vested in him and that the decisions of any pardons board are currently beyond review by courts.
The royal pardon falls under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, which gives the Agong or Sultan the powers to grant a pardon or reprieve to a convict, wiping clean any legal punishments to provide a "clean slate”.
Yesterday, Najib failed in his final appeal against the High Court's guilty conviction, which saw the Federal Court ordering him to serve his 12-year sentence with immediate effect. He was also fined RM210 million.
He had been found guilty of one count of abuse of power, three counts of criminal breach of trust, and three counts of money laundering.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said that the findings of the High Court on the defence were correct and that the learned trial judge had undertaken a thorough analysis of the evidence produced by the defence, correctly evaluating all the evidence led in relation to the defence and did not believe the defence narrative.
She also said that Najib had shown how his defence was inconsistent, incoherent and unworthy of belief, as submitted by the prosecution.
After spending an hour at the courtroom with his family, aide and fellow party members, he departed to Kajang Prison to serve his sentence.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/08/24/ex-ag-najib-can-seek-royal-pardon-but-will-have-to-serve-considerable-jail-time-first/24440
May you rot and die in prison you corrupted fat fuck.