THE prosecution today maintained that its case against former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the alleged misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds remains “strong and unshaken,” urging the High Court to convict him of abuse of power and money laundering.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib told the court that Najib had failed to provide a convincing explanation regarding the source and flow of funds deposited into his personal accounts, describing the defence narrative as inconsistent, implausible and unsupported by evidence.
“The accused’s claim that the funds were a donation from the late Saudi ruler, King Abdullah, cannot be believed.
“Not a single donor has come forward, and Najib merely relied on four letters purportedly from the donor without providing any authentic documents, witnesses, or the donor himself,” Ahmad Akram said during submissions at the close of the defence case.
He added that the “Arab donation” narrative was “a tale beyond the imagination of the Arabian Nights,” previously dismissed by both the High Court and the Federal Court in Najib’s SRC International Sdn Bhd case as “unbelievable, untenable and implausible.”
“Instead, the prosecution maintains that Datuk Seri Najib abused his positions as Prime Minister and Finance Minister to influence 1MDB’s decisions and actions, resulting in billions of ringgit being channelled into his personal accounts,” he said.
Ahmad Akram argued that the evidence demonstrated Najib’s personal interest in 1MDB’s operations and direct benefit from the funds, noting there had been no transparency or proper due diligence as expected of a prime minister or finance minister.
“The accused’s attempt to distance himself from 1MDB’s operational decisions is unacceptable, as evidence shows he directly intervened in several key company matters,” he said, adding that the prosecution’s case “remains consistent, coherent and unaffected despite the defence’s submissions.”
Najib faces four charges of abuse of power to obtain RM2.3 billion in gratification and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same funds. The alleged offences occurred between 2011 and 2014 when he was both prime minister and finance minister.
Ahmad Akram further contended that Najib had used his position to influence the 1MDB board of directors into approving questionable transactions “to ultimately enrich himself,” citing financial flows and communications involving fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low.
“The pattern and timing of fund inflows correspond directly with 1MDB’s transactions, clearly showing the accused’s awareness and benefit from the scheme,” he said.
The prosecution concluded that the charges were properly framed based on the timing of when Najib allegedly received the gratification, marking the completion of each episode of misconduct.
The hearing before High Court Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow. - October 29, 2025
