‘1MDB verdict shows no one above law’

Court decision on Najib clear message no exception to rule irrespective of one’s position: Analysts

PETALING JAYA: The conviction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case shows that no one is above the law, said analysts. 

Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said while some segments of society may perceive and argue the outcome as a political persecution, he believes this represents the opinion from a minority group.

“This verdict is significant not only from a domestic perspective but also internationally. The conviction of a former prime minister for corruption sends a clear message that no matter how high one’s political position, the rule of law applies.

“The broader takeaway is that Malaysia’s legal system will not tolerate corruption, particularly among politicians. However, we must exercise caution in discussing this case, as it carries significant political implications,” he told theSun. 

Regardless, Azmi stressed that the verdict should not be openly “celebrated”, as doing so could create unease and be misinterpreted given the political sensitivities surrounding the former prime minister.

“That said, there is a positive aspect where the ruling demonstrates the current administration does not interfere with judicial proceedings.

“It also reflects a commitment to institutional reform and efforts to reduce corruption, which is a key objective of the present government,” he said.

Former Bar president Salim Bashir echoed a similar view, saying the legal system remains impartial and applies equally to all who commit wrongdoing.

“The court sought to affirm the sanctity of rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution that even a former prime minister does not enjoy the cloak of invincibility from the brunt of the law,” he said.

Salim highlighted that the judge had examined a broad range of evidence linking Najib to the misappropriation of funds, rejected claims of political donations from Arab sources, and underscored the clear involvement of fugitive financier known as Jho Low. 

He added the judge also dismissed arguments portraying Najib as ignorant, describing the former prime minister as no country bumpkin, and that he was fully aware of affairs under his control, which shows he played an active and knowing role in the 1MDB scheme.

“We consistently upheld the golden rule of finality of litigations when appeal process exhausts its avenue, and we shall respect accused’s right to appeal the court decision,” Salim emphasised, adding that due process must be upheld, and that law should operate independently of public sentiment.

“Everyone must be accorded the right of due process and there is no place for emotions in law. Generally, the public must be made aware that court verdicts in the criminal justice system aren’t about moral values and public feelings, it’s purely justice and law,” he added.

On Friday, Najib was found guilty on all charges in the 1MDB case, involving four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering.

The High Court ruled that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case. 

Najib was found to have abused his positions as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of 1MDB’s board of advisers to obtain financial benefits totalling RM2.3 billion.

Following his conviction, Najib was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined a total of RM11.4 billion for financial crimes linked to 1MDB, committed while he was in power between 2009 and 2018.

The court ordered that the jail term will begin only after Najib completes his current six-year prison sentence for a previous conviction, which is due to end on Aug 23, 2028.

Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah also ordered that Najib serve a further 40 years’ imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.

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