Ex-Malay PM ordered to enter defence in corruption charges

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 11 (IANS) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was ordered to enter defence on Monday for the seven corruption charges related to the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali ordered Najib to present his case as prosecution has established cases on all seven charges against him — three charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), one count of abusing his position and three counts of money laundering related to SRC International funds, a former subsidiary of 1MDB, Xinhua news agency reported.

“A prima facie case has been made out in each of the charges. As such I now call upon the accused to enter defence to all charges,” said the judge.The ruling came after hearings began in April with the prosecution calling 57 witnesses to the stand over about 60 court days.Some 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International were allegedly transferred to Najib’s personal accounts while he was then Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the advisor of 1MDB.

Najib has been slapped with dozens of other charges for corruption, money laundering, power abuse and criminal breach of trust involving millions of ringgit since his ruling coalition lost power in the national elections last year.He has pledged not guilty to all the charges. The defence trial is expected to commence starting December 3.

–IANSksk/