Former Malaysian PM’s stepson to face money laundry charges

Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz, a stepson of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, was arrested by the country's anti-corruption body on July 4 and is expected to be charged for money laundering.
Former Malaysian PM’s stepson to face money laundry charges ảnh 1Former Malaysian PM’s stepson to face money laundry charges (Source:www.voanews.com)

Hanoi (VNA)-  Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz, a stepson offormer Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, was arrested by the country'santi-corruption body on July 4 and is expected to be charged for moneylaundering.

The MalaysianAnti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s head Latheefa Koya confirmed Riza's arrest,adding that he will be brought to court to face charges on July 5 under thecountry's Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds ofUnlawful Activities Act 2001.

Riza, who is a filmproducer, was alleged to have received several hundreds of millions of USDsiphoned from state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) tofinance films including The Wolf of Wall Street.

He was also allegedto have used part of the funds to purchase several properties in the US.

FormerMalaysian PM Najib Razak founded the 1MDB investment fund in 2009, supposedlyto serve Malaysia’s development through global partnerships and foreign directinvestment.

However, it became the centre of a moneylaundering scandal, allegedly causing losses of up to 4.5 billion USD andleading to probes in Malaysia and several other countries such as the US,Switzerland, Singapore and China.

Najib himself hasbeen on trial for dozens of corruption charges involving billions of ringgitfrom 1MDB while his wife Rosmah Mansor was also facing multiple charges.–VNA
VNA

See more

KKP cuts GDP forecast, warns Thailand faces recession risk. (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand’s economy may face recession risk

In its latest report, KKP Research noted that Thailand’s vulnerability goes beyond its reliance on imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East could also worsen shortages of fertilisers, affecting agricultural output, as well as petrochemical feedstocks, which would impact the plastics and textile industries.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks before Thai Parliament in Bangkok. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand plans tighter, targeted fiscal 2027 budget

Thailand's fiscal 2027 budget is projected at around 3.78 trillion THB (nearly 118 billion USD), a 2% increase from the previous year, with a focus on targeted spending and cutting unnecessary expenses, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Fitch downgrades Philippines’ outlook to ‘negative’. (Illustrative photo: Reuters)

Fitch downgrades Philippines’ outlook to ‘negative’

The Outlook revision reflects rising risks to the Philippines' strong medium-term growth prospects from recent disruptions to public investment, exacerbated in the near-term by elevated exposure to the ongoing global energy shock.

The Singapore Maritime Technology & Research Roadmap is aimed at advancing the sector’s efficiency and sustainability. (Photo: businesstimes.com.sg)

Singapore unveils new roadmap to boost innovation in maritime sector

The Singapore Maritime Technology & Research Roadmap is aimed at advancing the sector’s efficiency and sustainability. It highlights priorities – including digital technologies, decarbonisation and operational integration – to boost resilience, productivity and innovation in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem. It also addresses structural issues such as manpower, land and sea space limitations.

Malaysia considers establishing strategic petroleum reserve

Malaysia considers establishing strategic petroleum reserve

Malaysia, which was previously a net exporter, has now become a net importer due to declining domestic production and rising consumption, with demand estimated at around 800,000 barrels per day compared to production of about 400,000 barrels per day.

Indonesia to halt diesel imports from July

Indonesia to halt diesel imports from July

The move is part of the Indonesian Government’s efforts to strengthen national energy independence by utilising palm oil as an alternative fuel, said Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

Malaysia’s growing microplastics crisis is largely self-inflicted, driven by domestic waste, weak recycling practices and everyday plastic use, said experts. (Photo: New Straits Times)

Malaysia seeks solutions to microplastic crisis

Microplastics originating from domestic waste and wastewater are increasingly entering the food chain, posing serious threats to seafood safety and the livelihoods of coastal communities.