I am not a thief, says Najib after facing 25 new charges
Former M'sian PM hit with 25 fresh corruption charges, says he will clear name
KUALA LUMPUR Embattled former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, who was slapped with 25 fresh corruption and money-laundering charges, had much to say after his day in court yesterday.
"As we all know, the RM2.6 billion (S$858 million) issue was used relentlessly to criticise and tarnish my name all this while.
"All the charges today will give me a chance to clear my name - that I am not a thief.
"I hope my journey in court will uphold the truth and put to rest this RM2.6 billion issue once and for all," he said, adding that he has the facts on his side.
"We hope the verdict will show that the rule of law does indeed exist in this country."
He said that once the public understands the facts and figures behind the case, they will realise that it is not such an "explosive" accusation, The Star reported.
"Once we understand the facts and we do some calculations, we will come to the conclusion that I returned a large sum of money right after the 13th general election.
"I want to thank the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police for treating me well," he added.
Najib, 64, pleaded not guilty to four graft charges.
He also claimed trial to 21 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Anti-Terrorism Financing Act and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, The Star reported.
According to the charge sheet, the offences occurred at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch in Jalan Raja Chulan while in his position as a civil servant when he was prime minister, finance minister and the adviser emeritus of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Najib was granted bail of RM3.5 million. His lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah requested for the bail to be paid in staggered payments, The Star reported.
"Our bank downstairs (in court) takes half a day to count RM500,000, unlike our Indian money changers," he said .
Sessions Court Judge Azura Alwi allowed the staggered payments.
"The bail is to be paid, starting from tomorrow RM1 million and subsequently, RM500,000 in instalments until Friday, Sept 28," she said yesterday.
While all this was happening, police raided Najib's mother's house.
"Najib's mother, Rahah Mohammad Noah, was at home when police showed up at her house in Jalan Eaton, Kuala Lumpur," said a family member. Najib's lawyer also confirmed the raid, saying that nothing was seized.
Charges have piled up on Najib since he unexpectedly lost a general election in May to Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who reopened the 1MDB probe.
Earlier this year, prosecutors brought a total of seven charges, involving money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power, relating to funds of about RM42 million that allegedly flowed from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit, into his personal bank account. The SRC trial will begin in February.
1MDB is being investigated by at least six countries, including Singapore, Switzerland and the US, over alleged money laundering and graft.
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