Prosecution: Najib ‘Architect’ of 1MDB Crimes, Not Victim of Rogue Subordinates

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was not a victim of selective prosecution but the “architect” of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) crimes, the High Court was told today.

Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib said Najib’s claims of being misled by subordinates were “political theatre” meant to distort facts and avoid accountability.

“He was not the victim of other men’s crimes. He was the architect,” Akram said, adding that Najib’s associates acted under his instructions and for his benefit.

1MDB Crimes

Akram stressed that Najib was the most powerful decision-maker in 1MDB, holding key positions as prime minister, finance minister, and 1MDB advisory board chairman.

Evidence presented showed RM2 billion from 1MDB flowed through companies linked to Low Taek Jho into Najib’s AmBank accounts, contradicting his claim of Saudi donations.

The 1MDB trial resumes this afternoon, with Najib’s defence expected to respond.

Business News