1MDB corruption trial: Malaysia’s ex-prime minister Najib Razak’s returns to court on US$10.3 million theft charges

The ex-leader and his cronies are accused of stealing billions of dollars from 1MDB and spending it on everything from high-end real estate to artworks and a luxury yacht

The allegations played a large part in prompting Malaysian voters to oust his coalition, which had been in power for six decades, in last year’s elections

Reading Time:2 minutes

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak (centre) arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court for his trial over 1MDB corruption allegations in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:49am, 15 Apr 2019Updated: 11:53am, 15 Apr 2019

Toppled Malaysian leader Najib Razak returned to court for the second day of his high-profile corruption trial on Monday, with the former premier accused of plundering large sums from a unit of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

The 65-year-old finally went on trial this month over his alleged role in looting the investment vehicle, the first of several court cases he is expected to face over the controversy.

The ex-prime minister and his cronies are accused of stealing billions of dollars from 1MDB and spending it on everything from high-end real estate to artworks and a luxury yacht.

The allegations played a large part in prompting voters to oust his corruption plagued coalition, which had been in power for six decades, at historic elections last year. Since then, Najib has been arrested and hit with dozens of charges over the scandal.

The ex-leader’s highly anticipated trial began on April 3, with Najib denying seven charges related to the theft of 42 million ringgit (US$10.3 million) from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.