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Published: 17:12, August 23, 2022 | Updated: 22:55, August 23, 2022
M'sia ex-PM loses final 1MDB appeal, given 12-year jail term
By Reuters
Published:17:12, August 23, 2022 Updated:22:55, August 23, 2022 By Reuters

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak (Center) greets supporters as he walks out during a break in the trial during an appeal against his corruption conviction over the 1MDB financial scandal, at the federal court in Putrajaya, on Aug 23, 2022. (ARIF KARTONO / AFP)

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's top court ordered former prime minister Najib Razak to begin a 12-year prison sentence on Tuesday after upholding a guilty conviction on charges related to a multi-billion dollar graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Knocking back Najib's final appeal, the country's top court also denied his request for a stay of sentence.

Najib, 69, was found guilty by a lower court in July 2020 of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering for illegally receiving about US$10 million from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB

Najib, 69, was found guilty by a lower court in July 2020 of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering for illegally receiving about US$10 million from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB. He had been out on bail and pending appeals.

ALSO READ: As judgement day looms, Malaysia's ex-PM requests judge's recusal

The former premier, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 12 years' jail and a 210 million ringgit (US$46.84 million) fine.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the court unanimously dismissed Najib's appeals and that lower courts' conviction was safe.

"The defense is so inherently inconsistent and incredible that it has not raised reasonable doubt on the case... We also find that the sentence imposed is not manifestly excessive," she said.

Najib was seated in the dock as the verdict was read out. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, and three children were seated behind him.

The court had earlier rejected a last gasp effort by Najib to forestall the final verdict by requesting the removal of the chief justice from the panel.

Addressing the court moments before the final verdict was delivered, Najib said he was the victim of an injustice, while requesting for another two months for his new lawyers to prepare for his appeal.

READ MORE: M'sia ex-PM asks court to admit new proof amid final 1MDB appeal

"It's the worst feeling to have to realize that the might of the judiciary is pinned against me in the most unfair manner," Najib told the court.

Prosecutors have said some US$4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB - co-founded by Najib during his first year as prime minister in 2009. Investigators say they had traced more than US$1 billion of 1MDB money to accounts linked to Najib.

The wide-ranging scandal has implicated officials and financial institutions around the world, and prompted the US Department of Justice to open what became its biggest kleptocracy investigation.

Najib, who faces several trials over the allegations, has consistently denied wrongdoing.

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