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Najib Razak

After nine years as Malaysia's prime minister, Najib Razak was driven from office in 2018 when he lost a general election to Mahathir Mohamad. The result was a political earthquake in Malaysia, where the Barisan Nasional coalition had held sway for more than 60 years. It also exposed Najib to prosecution over the vast corruption scandal engulfing state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which he established. Police seized luxury goods worth millions of dollars from Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansoor, and Najib has since been charged over his role in the scandal, including several counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power.

Born

23 Jul 1953

Industry

Politics, Crime

Job Title

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia

last updated:

7 October, 2024

Najib Razak

Can Malaysia’s Mahathir outwit ‘common enemy’ Anwar over Pedra Branca row?

A recommendation for a probe into Mahathir Mohamad over the island saga has triggered the ex-leader into forming an anti-Anwar coalition.

Malaysia’s 1MDB sues ‘dishonest’ Amicorp for US$1 billion for alleged fraud

My Take | Is Anwar’s anti-corruption pledge in Malaysia facing a reality check after 2 years?

‘This is what I call justice’: Najib’s wife cleared of money-laundering charges

Rosmah described the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s ruling as a true representation of justice.

Najib’s house arrest at ‘discretion’ of Malaysia’s king, Anwar says

Sultan Ibrahim of Johor will make the decision on Najib Razak’s fate, Malaysia’s current prime minister told parliament.

Call for Singapore island probe a bid to smear me as ‘treacherous’: Mahathir

The ex-PM is also facing a corruption crackdown that he and his associates say is targeted at opponents of his former protégé Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia’s Najib accuses US of sabotaging his 1MDB defence

In a bombshell courtroom revelation, the ex-PM claims US collusion with Malaysia’s political opposition to undermine his defence.

Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib says 1MDB-linked charges ‘politically motivated’

The former PM is serving a six-year prison sentence for stealing from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and faces more cases related to the 2018 election scandal.

Jailed ex-Malaysian PM Najib to appeal for house arrest

Malaysia’s Court of Appeal will hear Najib’s challenge on Thursday against a lower court’s refusal to hear his request for house arrest.

Malaysia drops Najib’s 6 charges over 1MDB as house arrest rumours swirl

Najib Razak has been seeking to be released from jail and serve the remaining four years of his jail term at home.

Daim Zainuddin’s complex legacy and the twilight of Malaysia’s old guard

With the ex-minister’s death, questions arise about the enduring impact of cronyism and the possibility of a new political era in Malaysia.

Clemency bid gathers steam for Thai trans woman jailed in Malaysia for drugs

Advocates claim the country’s justice system is uneven, with comparisons to swift halved sentence for former prime minister Najib.

Malaysians split over home detention plan for prisoners – leniency gone too far?

The government has also dismissed speculations that the plan is linked to jailed ex-prime minister Najib Razak.

Malaysian ex-PM Najib fails to end 5-year trial over 1MDB scandal

Court orders former leader to enter a defence over allegations that he took more than US$500 million in bribes linked to state fund 1MDB.

Malaysia PM Anwar responds to Najib’s 1MDB apology

The 71-year-old Najib apologised last week for mishandling the scandal that saw US$4.5 billion stolen from state coffers during his time in office.

Malaysians left incredulous by apology from disgraced ex-PM Najib

Malaysians slam ‘disingenuous apology’ for 1MDB scandal, scoff at former leader’s claim he was misled by associates.

Najib apologises, without accepting full blame, for Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal

The jailed former prime minister’s partial apology comes as the government considers sentencing reforms that may enable his early release.

‘No end to the betrayal’: Malaysians see Najib in Anwar’s house arrest proposal

Critics accuse Anwar Ibrahim’s government of slipping plans for a new law into Friday’s budget that could benefit jailed ex-PM Najib Razak.

Malaysia nepotism outrage over role for Najib’s daughter

Nooryana Najwa Najib, the daughter of Malaysia’s jailed ex-PM Najib Razak, has landed a key role at Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

Malaysia’s death penalty changes clear way for murderer’s extradition

Sirul Azhar Umar fled to Australia after the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was shot and her body blown up with explosives in 2006.

Malaysia commutes death sentence of Najib’s bodyguard for Mongolian model’s murder

The country’s apex court reduced Azilah Hadri’s sentence to 40 years in prison after the victim’s father pleased for clemency.

Swiss court convicts PetroSaudi executives over US$1.8 billion 1MDB scandal

The verdict marks the latest development in the complex international corruption scandal.

Malaysia celebrates Sultan Ibrahim’s coronation as 17th king

While chiefly ceremonial, the position of Malaysia’s king has in recent years played an increasingly important role, such as in politics.

Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad in hospital for cough after London trip

It is the second time the 99-year-old former prime minister has been hospitalised this year.

Malaysia’s anti-party hopping law tested by controversial ruling on sacked MPs

The parliamentary speaker’s decision to let the MPs keep their seats could undermine the law meant to maintain political stability.

Letters | Hong Kong must take responsibility for its own cybersecurity

Readers discuss cybersecurity legislation for the city, a former Malaysian prime minister’s house arrest plea, and dining options at Hong Kong airport.

No home comforts for Najib: Malaysian court denies house arrest plea

The former PM was denied a request to serve the remainder of his jail term for corruption under house arrest. His lawyers plan to appeal.

Jho Low, US reach confidential deal to try to ‘forever’ resolve 1MDB-linked case

The confidential agreement, which has yet to be publicly disclosed, is tied to the announcement on Wednesday by the DOJ that it is to recover an additional US$100 million in resolving two civil forfeiture cases.