Najib Razak Faces New Charges: Court Orders Defense Against 1MDB Scandal

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been ordered by a court to defend himself against multiple charges related to power abuse and money laundering linked to the 1MDB scandal. Despite facing longstanding accusations and having been previously sentenced, Najib maintains his not guilty plea.

In a significant legal development, a Malaysian court has mandated that ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak counter allegations of power abuse and money laundering associated with the 1MDB scandal. This decision was confirmed by a prosecutor on Wednesday.

The charges involve substantial accusations, including Najib's supposed illegal acquisition of 2.3 billion ringgit from the state investment fund, 1MDB. Najib, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Previously, Najib was sentenced to 12 years behind bars in 2022 for graft in a correlated 1MDB case, although this was reduced by the country's pardons board, forecasting his release by August 2028.

(With inputs from agencies.)