THE air outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya was charged with anticipation on Friday morning as supporters of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak congregated to witness the outcome of his long-running 1MDB trial.
Chants of “Hidup Bossku” (Long-live Bossku) and “Bebas Bossku” (Free Bossku) echoed across the court’s parking area as approximately 50 early-arriving supporters waved banners and offered prayers for Najib’s acquittal, under the watchful eyes of local and international media and reinforced security personnel.
Among those present was a retiree from Selangor, Alias Samat, 69, who drove from Kuala Selangor at dawn.
“I left Kuala Selangor at about 5am and arrived at the Palace of Justice around 6am. I hope that today's decision, on this blessed Friday, will be in Najib's favour and that he will be freed from the charges against him,” he told reporters.
Another supporter, Radhiah M. Rashid, 67, from Rawang, added: “My hope is not just my own, but that of Bossku supporters across Malaysia. We are saddened and disappointed that key witnesses were not present during Najib's trial.
“Those who allegedly received hundreds of millions from Jho Low are still free and have even been called as prosecution witnesses, while he had to go up and down the courts. Those of us here all share the same hope that he must be granted his freedom and be acquitted.”
Najib, who served as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, arrived at 8.25am in a silver SUV, accompanied by police and prison officials.
His son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, was also present. Security had cordoned off access to the courtroom, allowing entry only to those with official business, while media personnel had to register before covering the proceedings.
The former leader faces four charges of misappropriating funds from 1MDB and 21 counts of money laundering, allegations he has consistently denied, insisting that the funds were political donations and that he was misled by those around him.
The prosecution argues that Najib was the ultimate decision-maker in a complex network of financial manoeuvres that drained public coffers, while the defence, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, maintains that the case is riddled with evidential gaps, political motives, and unproven assumptions.
Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah is expected to deliver a verdict that could finally bring closure to one of Malaysia’s most protracted and high-profile legal battles.
The ruling is being closely observed both domestically and internationally, as it represents a defining moment in the 1MDB saga that has reshaped Malaysia’s political landscape and tested the resilience of its judicial system.
Earlier in the morning, Najib’s legal team arrived at the court compound, with the former prime minister greeted by supporters who had gathered from as early as 7am, positioning themselves near the main entrance to witness the proceedings.
Several prominent political figures, including former Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Said and former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Harun, were also seen within the compound, underscoring the high-profile nature of the case.
With the nation and international observers watching, today’s verdict marks a pivotal chapter in Najib Razak’s legal and political journey, closing a case that has captivated Malaysia and drawn attention around the globe. - December 26, 2025
