Former Malaysian PM in court for 1MDB corruption scandal
The High Court of Malaysia on August 28 started a hearing on the corruption charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak in relation to state investment fund 1 Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak (third from left) appears at the court on August 28. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The High Court of Malaysia on August 28 started a hearing on the corruption charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak in relation to state investment fund 1 Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).
In his opening statement, senior deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that as a key player in the scandal, Najib exerted his influence over the board of 1MDB and took away millions of USD to enrich himself.
Najib and his relatives were charged of embezzling a huge amount of money from the fund to buy real estate and many other assets.
Besides, Najib was accused of interfering in the course of investigation into the scandal.
According to Gobal, fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, is an important figure in the case. He faces criminal charges in Malaysia and the US over his alleged central role in the case. He colluded with Najib in carrying out the illegal transfers of money.
At the court, Najib, 66, denied all the charges. Prosecutors had a plan to invite about 60 witnesses to the trial that is likely to be lengthy and complex.
Najib is facing 21 counts of money laundering and four of abuse of power for allegedly receiving illegal transfers of at least 2.28 billion MYR (540 million USD) from the 1MDB fund between 2011 and 2014.-VNA
You should also see
Energy industry needs nearly 5 trillion VND of investment in 2021-2030
The total investment capital demand for the whole energy sector in the 2021-2030 period is between 4.13-4.8 trillion VND (163.01-189.46 million USD), according to a plan to implement the National Power Planning in the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050.
See more
World
Indonesia’s coffee exports surpass imports
Indonesia’s coffee exports have surpassed imports for 47 consecutive months since May 2020, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has reported.
World
Thailand expects wave of tourists during Golden Week
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that about 996,000 foreign tourists will visit the Southeast Asian country between April 26 and May 5, known as the Golden Week holidays in Japan, during which Chinese tourists also prefer to travel overseas.
World
Argentinian media praises Dien Bien Phu Victory
Argentinian newspapers have called Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954) a symbol of the national liberation movement of oppressed and colonialised peoples worldwide.
World
Laos speeds up granting licences to foreign workers
Laos's Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare plans to issue visas to illegal foreign workers and extend permits to legal ones so that they can continue to work in the country.
World
Argentinian scholar praises Vietnam’s April 30, 1975 victory
The complete reunification of Vietnam on April 30, 1975 was an extremely significant event in the history of the country and the world, opined a scholar from the Institute for International Relations at the National University of La Plata, Argentina.
