KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 Malaysia expects to claw back billions more linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB...

SHAH ALAM Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed gratitude following the Attorney Generals Chambers (AGC) decision not to proceed with prosecution against him over 47 charges involving criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering linked to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament said the decision proved that the truth had emerged after a lengthy legal process.Alhamdulillah. Time ultimately reveals everything, the truth has prevailed, he said in a Facebook post on Thursday.Zahid was cleared after the AGC decided that no further action (NFA) would be taken in the case.The decision followed a review of the entire investigation and new evidence after the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Sept 4, 2023 granted Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on the charges.According to the AGC, comprehensive further investigations were carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), including scrutiny of the source, acquisition and use of the funds, as well as matters raised through six representations submitted to the AGC after Zahid was called to enter his defence.The AGC said the decision marked the final termination of the case, in line with the Attorney Generals powers and discretion under the Federal Constitution and relevant laws.

Malaysias anti-corruption agency is pushing deeper into one of the countrys most opaque corners, the defence procurement system, in a widening investigation into allegations of cartel-like tender fixing, bribery and unexplained cash movements. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has in recent weeks expanded its investigation into the Defence Ministry following a whistle-blowers claim that documents showed large monthly deposits into accounts linked to a senior military officer and...

KUALA LUMPUR The Attorney-Generals Chambers (AGC) has confirmed that the investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding 47 charges of corruption and money laundering has reached a final conclusion with No Further Action (NFA) to be taken.The charges, which involved criminal breach of trust (CBT) and the alleged misappropriation of funds from Yayasan Akalbudi, previously resulted in a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) by the High Court on Sept 4, 2023.In a statement released today, the AGC stated that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had conducted an exhaustive inquiry

The probe by MACC has drawn attention to cartel-like behaviour in defence tenders.

On Dec 4, he was charged at the Sessions Court here with agreeing to accept a cash bribe of RM100,000 from businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, 37, as an inducement to assist companies in which Tei had interests to obtain mineral exploration licence approvals in Sabah, despite the matter being unrelated to his official duties.He was also charged with obtaining another RM40,000 in cash for the same purpose, as well as two further charges of receiving bribes in the form of furniture and electrical items valued at RM14,580.03 and RM22,249, respectively, from the same individual.The offences were allegedly committed at premises in Jalan Medang Serai, Bukit Bandaraya; at a hotel car park in Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur and at Jalan P14a 1/1, Presint 14, Putrajaya, between Dec 7, 2023, and Jan 31, 2024, as well as at Jalan P14a 1/1, Presint 14, Putrajaya, between Nov 24, 2023, and March 5, 2024. On Dec 5, Shamsul Iskandar was further charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court with one count of corruptly obtaining a bribe amounting to RM62,924 from Tei at a bank in Country Heights, Kajang, allegedly committed between Nov 28, 2023, and Sept 23, 2024.The money was allegedly deposited into the bank account of a woman for the purpose of paying rent for a house in Kuala Lumpur, and was purportedly given as an inducement for him to assist companies linked to Tei in obtaining approval for mineral exploration licences in Sabah.All charges were framed under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 (Act 694), which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, if it can be assessed, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.In a separate Sessions Court, Judge Rosli Ahmad allowed the prosecutions application for the case involving Tei at the Shah Alam Sessions Court to be tried together with the four other corruption charges he faces at the Sessions Court here.Judge fixed March 13 for further mention of the case for the submission of documents.On Dec 4, Tei was also charged at the Sessions Court here with two counts of giving cash bribes amounting to RM100,000 and RM40,000 to Shamsul Iskandar, as an inducement for him to assist companies in which Tei had interests to obtain mineral exploration licence approvals in Sabah, despite the matter being unrelated to Shamsul Iskandars official duties.He also faces two additional charges of giving bribes in the form of furniture and electrical items valued at RM14,580.03 and RM22,249, respectively, to Shamsul Iskandar for the same purpose.All the offences were allegedly committed at several locations, including premises along Jalan Medang Serai, Bukit Bandaraya; a hotel car park on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur; and Jalan P14a 1/1, Precinct 14, Putrajaya, between Dec 7, 2023, and Jan 31, 2024, as well as between Nov 24, 2023, and March 5, 2024.On Dec 5, Tei was also charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court with giving a bribe amounting to RM64,924 to Shamsul Iskandar, allegedly deposited into a womans bank account to pay for house rental in Kuala Lumpur, as an inducement to assist companies linked to Tei in obtaining mineral exploration licence approvals in Sabah.The charge was framed under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 (Act 694), punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 Businessman Albert Tei has taken the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) to court, c...

KUALA LUMPUR - Controversial businessman Albert Tei has taken legal action against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the orange lock-up T-shirt he was made to wear while in detention.In an originating summons filed through Messrs Abd Halim Ushah & Associates yesterday, Tei seeks a court declaration that the use of the orange T-shirt, which bears the words Lokap SPRM, is void, unlawful, unconstitutional and in breach of Article 5(1) and Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution.Tei has named MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the MACC and the government as the first, second and third defendants.According to his supporting affidavit, Tei, 38, was arrested by the MACC on Nov 28, 2025, and taken to its headquarters in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA - A former Chief of Army has been remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for six and three days respectively from today to assist investigations into alleged corruption involving army procurement tenders.The remand order was issued by Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at the Putrajaya Magistrates Court this morning.The three suspects were brought to court at about 10 am after being detained at the MACC headquarters yesterday evening

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 A former Chief of Army has been remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for...

Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives were arrested by MACC yesterday in connection with investigations into an alleged army procurement tender cartel.

KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial businessman Albert Tei has taken legal action against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the orange lock-up T-shirt he was made to wear while in detention

Businessperson claims such actions intended to humiliate him.

Controversial businessman says the agency's actions were unconstitutional.

Former army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over corruption allegations

PUTRAJAYA A former Malaysian army chief and his two wives arrived at the Putrajaya magistrate's court on Thursday for remand proceedings to assist investigations into a corruption case involving an alleged procurement tender cartel linked to the Malaysian Army (TDM).The three individuals were brought to court in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) van and arrived at about 10am.On Wednesday, it was reported that all three were detained after presenting themselves at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at about 3pm.Separately, a husband-and-wife pair who owned a company linked to case were remanded for seven days starting Wednesday.MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said all parties should allow investigations to proceed.The MACC, he said, remained committed to conducting the investigation with full transparency and professionalism.On Tuesday, it was reported that 17 company directors were remanded for five days to assist investigations into the same case.According to the MACC, the suspects comprised nine men and eight women aged between their 20s and 60s

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 8): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a former Malaysian army chief, his two wives, and two other individuals as part of its probe into alleged corruption in procurement tenders

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained the former Malaysian Army chief, h...

PETALING JAYA: Former Army chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).They were arrested on Wednesday (Jan 7) night at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya after providing statements over an ongoing probe involving military contract tenders.Another couple was arrested earlier on Wednesday over the probe and remanded for seven days.The former Army chief and his two wives will be remanded today at the Putrajaya court.When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests."The MACC is committed in conducting investigations with integrity and profesionalism," he said.On Tuesday (Jan 6), the MACC secured five-day remand orders until Jan 10 for 17 company directors suspected of operating a cartel to fix tenders for Army procurements.The MACC said Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah issued the remand orders at the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court.The suspects, comprising nine men and eight women aged from 20 to 60, were detained on Monday (Jan 5) after giving statements at the MACC headquarters.This marks the latest escalation in a widening probe, which saw the MACC freeze six bank accounts on Dec 29, 2025, belonging to a senior officer and family members connected to the case.On Dec 23, the MACC's investigation extended to the Defence Ministry, reviewing projects awarded through open tenders and managed by the Army Responsibility Centre.The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009

UPDATED 10.31PM Azam says trio will be brought to court tomorrow for remand application.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirms the arrest of Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives at 7pm today.

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has foiled an attempt to move RM2.4 million in cash, linked to its probe into suspected cartel activity concerning Malaysian Army procurement tenders.MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the cash was intercepted as it was being transferred between two residences by a civilian connected to the case."We acted on information received yesterday

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has foiled an attempt to move RM2.4 million...

Cash belongs to one of thr suspects, says Azam.

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 7 Former army chief, General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, arrived at the Malaysian Anti-...

PUTRAJAYA - Former army chief, General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, here, this afternoon, believed to record a statement in connection with an investigation into a corruption case involving the procurement of army projects.He was seen arriving at the MACC headquarters at 3.10pm, accompanied by several individuals, before entering the building.Previously, Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said that Hafizuddeain had been ordered to go on leave pending the completion of investigations by the authorities into the allegations involving him.Chief of Staff of the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters, Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, has been appointed as the 31st Chief of the Malaysian Army, effective Jan 1.On Dec 23, MACC officers visited the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to examine projects implemented through the open tender procurement method, as well as procurements carried out under the Pusat Tanggungjawab (PTJ) of the Malaysian Army.Yesterday, the MACC remanded 17 company directors, suspected of being involved in a cartel network linked to army procurement tenders

It is believed that former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan is helping the anti-graft agency in its probe into claims of an army procurement cartel.

MACC chief Azam Baki says the commission is working with foreign agencies, particularly in the UK, to recover the assets.

PETALING JAYA: Nearly RM2.4mil in cash has been recovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), thwarting an attempt to move the funds between residences amid its ongoing investigation into army procurement tenders

MACC chief says a person of interest in the investigation tried to transfer the money from one house to another.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is developing a system to prevent...

System will be provided free of charge to interested govt agencies - Azam.

KUALA LUMPUR A 52-year-old businessman has declared that he remains the lawful husband of a woman recently linked to a controversy involving the National Defence Studies Centre (Puspahanas) President, Vice-Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali.Entrepreneur Sariman Bakar stated that he and Dasyarina Sarilah Daud were legally married under Islamic law outside Malaysia on Feb 25, 2025, with her biological father serving as the marriage guardian (wali).He claimed that his wife became acquainted with the senior naval officer through professional matters related to their joint business activities.Sariman claimed a significant shift in Dasyarinas behaviour shortly after the introduction.Following that acquaintance, I discovered a clear change in my wifes attitude, he said.Feeling aggrieved, he began conducting his own investigation.I was dissatisfied and carried out my own checks, he added.During a press conference at a restaurant on Tuesday, Sariman alleged that he discovered affectionate messages, including the term sayang, in communications between Sabri and his wife.These claims follow a previous denial by Dasyarina, who rejected allegations of a personal relationship with Sabri.She maintained they were merely friends and golf partners and denied receiving any government projects.The controversy was further amplified last December when political activist Chegubard accused Sabri of involvement in corruption-related misconduct.Chegubard circulated documents alleged to resemble materials from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), reportedly received by Pembela Tanah Air (Peta) in May 2024.Sariman further alleged the existence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showing the pair entering the same hotel room.He claimed the senior officer registered at the hotel using his military name and rank.Sariman stated that he contacted Sabri personally to seek clarification, but claimed the situation did not improve.Because nothing changed, I instructed my lawyers to act, he said.A letter of demand was subsequently sent to Sabri through legal counsel.Sariman stated that the reply failed to satisfy either him or his legal team, prompting him to reach out to Chegubard for assistance.I do not know where the materials originated from, but I can confirm the photographs, CCTV,

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 The Attorney-Generals Chambers (AGC) has objected to the leave application for judici...

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has fixed Jan 28 for decision in a leave application by lawyer Mahajoth Singh who is seeking to challenge two orders linked to his client Albert Tei that was issued to him by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

KUALA LUMPUR Former Research and Data Analysis Bureau Head for Selangor Bersatu, Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim, has revealed a ledger allegedly documenting financial transactions involving a party division chief.The document reportedly contains records of cash receipts and luxury assets amounting to RM1.1 million.Shafiq stated that following this disclosure, he will be lodging formal reports with both the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).The move is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the authenticity of the ledger and to determine if there are any elements of corruption or criminal breach of trust (CBT).Speaking at a press conference at a restaurant on Tuesday, Shafiq claimed the ledger is linked to a company involved in the Jana Wibawa Programme, a government initiative currently at the centre of a RM232 million court case."The document is believed to have originated from a company linked to the Jana Wibawa Programme, which is currently being tried in court in connection with a project worth RM232 million, he said.The former Head of the Research and Data Analysis Unit for Bersatu Selangors Information Bureau, detailed the alleged contents of the ledger

MELAKA, Jan 6 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained four individuals, including three enf...

Mahajoth seeking certiorari order to quash two notices issued under MACC Act

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating 26 companies suspected of involvement in the procurement of army projects

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun an investigation into 26 companies...

A source says it is possible the owners may be remanded to assist in the investigations.

ALOR SETAR, Jan 5 The Kedah branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has remanded a retired dis...

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified several other individuals sus...

The commission is also tracking and freezing assets linked to the case.

Police chief immediately acted against cops accused of extorting RM6k from mother.

The anti-corruption agency says the main suspect is receiving medical treatment and a statement will be taken when he is well enough.

SHAH ALAM The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are under scrutiny after allegations of corruption involving senior military officers surfaced.The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it has opened a formal investigation under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 after unusual transactions were detected in the bank account of a high-ranking army officer.The probe was launched following public allegations raised by an activist regarding suspected illicit funds entering the account of the senior military official.MACC officers were reported to have visited the Defence Ministry to begin preliminary investigations, focusing on Army procurement projects carried out through open tenders and acquisitions under the Armys Responsibility Centres (PTJ) from 2023 to the present.Initial reviews of procurement records showed that 158 army projects valued at over RM500,000 were approved between 2023 and 2025, alongside 4,521 smaller projects worth less than RM500,000

Compare the response in this case with the LCS scandal and other defense controversies: What we can see is that the visible administrative step of removing a key official from position pending probe, as seen with the Army Chief, has not been applied in the LCS context, despite extensive public documentation and financial scrutiny. Putting the Army Chief on leave while the MACC investigation proceeds could be a positive step toward stronger governance

SHAH ALAM Integrity issues and corruption risks must not be compromised in the appointment of senior officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) as they pose a direct threat to national security.Former Defence Intelligence Staff Division director Major General (R) Datuk Ishak Yeop Hamzah said any compromise on integrity could undermine the MAFs combat capability and defence readiness, particularly through questionable asset procurement.He said the direct impact of corruption and weak integrity could weaken the countrys defence system, while indirectly affecting human resource development when unqualified officers were promoted.This situation not only damages personnel morale but could collapse the entire organisational structure of the MAF if allowed to persist, he said when contacted by Sinar.The Defence Ministry has recently been seen undertaking a transformation involving its three service branches following the retirement of top leadership, as part of efforts to restore public confidence in the countrys security forces.Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Wednesday said the implementation of the 631st Armed Forces Council (MAT) meeting decision on the appointment of Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan as Armed Forces chief had been postponed.Khaled said the move was taken to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the MAF while ensuring the countrys defence readiness and capabilities remained at the highest level.On Saturday, Khaled said Hafizuddeain had been ordered to go on immediate leave pending the completion of investigations by the authorities into allegations involving him.Khaled also announced on Wednesday that Malaysian Armed Forces headquarters chief of staff Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman had been appointed as the 31st Army chief, effective Jan 1.Commenting on existing screening mechanisms, Ishak said the MAFs integrity assessment process was already strict and transparent, beginning from junior officers up to the highest ranks.However, he said the process could still be improved and should not rely solely on a single reporting officer, instead proposing the appointment of a second reporting officer to ensure integrity assessments were free from manipulation.On corruption prevention, he said there was a need to tighten asset declaration requirements before and after appointments to top posts, in addition to introducing periodic asset declarations after appointments were made.Touching on the role of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Ishak acknowledged that the agency had carried out its responsibilities, but manpower constraints could limit its ability to monitor all corruption indicators within the security forces.As such, he proposed that other independent bodies such as the Public Complaints Bureau be strengthened by placing specially selected security personnel to ensure the nations security forces remained clean without compromising defence strategy confidentiality.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a an investigation to examine p...

This comes after MACC seizes 6 bank accounts on Monday.

SHAH ALAM - The public has been left shocked following revelations that a senior officer of the Malaysian Armed Forces is under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) amid allegations involving frozen accounts and suspected bribery linked to defence procurement projects.The MACC is believed to have frozen six bank accounts belonging to the officer and his family members

The politician is under probe for corruption and abuse of power following the discovery of fresh leads almost a decade later.

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 30 A former minister today continued giving a statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commissi...

For stability and economic growth in any nation, citizens must be secure in the belief that they can depend on these institutions to not only do the right thing but also right wrongs if the situation so demands.

Malaysias anti-corruption agency said on Monday that it has raided several firms alleged to be involved in bribery linked to army procurement projects, days after the countrys army chief was placed on leave pending an investigation into the matter. Azam Baki, chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), said the agency had also frozen six bank accounts belonging to a suspect and their family members as part of the probe

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded a statement from a former minister suspected of receiving RM5 million in bribes and a Lamborghini in connection with billboard projects and land transfer in the federal capital.According to a source, the former minister presented himself at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today to have his statement recorded, and investigators are currently tracing the source of payment for the luxury vehicle."For the land transfer case, preliminary investigations found that land previously gazetted for the construction of a surau was transferred to a proxy company, the source said.The source added that statements from 16 witnesses, comprising government personnel and company owners, have been recorded to assist investigations into both cases.MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened against the former minister under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and that, so far, no asset seizures or account freezes have been carried out.On Dec 24, Azam revealed that a new investigation paper had been opened involving the former minister and that several individuals would be called to assist in the investigation.Earlier, the media reported that the former minister, who served in the Cabinet prior to the Covid-19 era, is under investigation for alleged misconduct involving the transfer of high-value government-owned land to a prominent property developer

Politician in question reportedly served as a minister before the pandemic.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 29): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded a statement from a former minister suspected of receiving RM5 million in bribes and a Lamborghini in connection with billboard projects and land transfer in the federal capital

Luxury items such as watches and handbags also seized, Azam says.

MACC says 16 witnesses have been called, including government officials and company owners, in the land transfer and billboard project cases.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded the statement of a f...

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 MACCs investigation into suspected corruption in Malaysian Army procurement projects...

Furthermore, a former minister is currently under Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation for alleged corruption involving project approvals in the Federal Territories. This suggests the MACC maintains the initiative in its investigations

Gobind says there are problems which must be dealt with.

Law must be equally applied, but people know this is not happening, says ex-MACC chief.

SHAH ALAM Datuk Seri Najib Razak may only be released from prison in 2043 if he fails at all stages of appeal, including at the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.Based on current calculations, the former Prime Minister, who was born on July 23, 1953, would be about 90 years old by then if he is required to serve the full prison sentence imposed on him.On Friday, the Putrajaya High Court sentenced the former Pekan MP to 15 years imprisonment and imposed a RM11.38 billion fine after finding him guilty on four counts of corruption and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now a Federal Court judge) ordered the prison sentences to run concurrently, but ruled that the sentence would only take effect after Najib completes his sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.Najib is currently serving his sentence at Kajang Prison after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. He was initially sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and fined RM210 million, which was later reduced to six years imprisonment and a RM50 million fine by the Pardons Board.For the SRC case, Najib is scheduled to be released on Aug 23, 2028.If his conviction in the 1MDB case is upheld at all levels and no sentence reduction is granted, the former Ummo president could face more than two decades in prison, leading to an estimated release around 2043.In the 1MDB case, Najib was found guilty of abusing his position as Prime Minister and Finance Minister at the time to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion, as well as committing money laundering between 2011 and 2014 through accounts at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Bukit Ceylon.He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act and Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

Watchdog also urges govt not to renew MACC chief's contract for a third term.

PUTRAJAYA - The High Court here today sentenced Datuk Seri Najib Razak to 15 years in jail and imposed a total fine of RM11.4 billion after finding him guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in funds linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).The verdict was handed down by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who previously presided over the 1MDB trial at the High Court. He has since been elevated to the Federal Court.For the four charges of abuse of power, the court sentenced Najib to 15 years imprisonment on each count and imposed a total fine of RM11.4 billion, in default 40 years imprisonment.Najib was also sentenced to five years jail on each of the 21 money laundering charges and no fine was imposed.The 72-year-old former prime minister will serve only 15 years in prison, as the judge ordered all jail sentences to run concurrently.The judge also ruled that the sentence will only take effect after Najib completes his six-year prison term in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case involving the misappropriation of RM42 million, which ends on Aug 23, 2028.Judge Sequerah meted out the sentence after taking into consideration the mitigating factors presented by the defence, the prosecution and the accused, as well as the public interest.I have also considered and taken into account the antecedents of the accused, including the fact and the length of his public service and the other mitigating factors advanced in respect of the sentencing provision in Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act

The MACC chief says his officers worked tirelessly since the probes into the sovereign wealth fund began.

PUTRAJAYA The court judgment on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case is not a moment for celebration or pride but instead reflects the fulfilment of trust and the responsibility of enforcement institutions toward the nation.Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said this achievement was the result of the continuous commitment of the investigation and prosecution teams, who have worked tirelessly since the investigation began in July 2015."The investigation into the case involving 1MDB demanded extraordinary diligence, particularly in obtaining testimony and evidence both domestically and internationally."Credit must be given to the investigating officers and the prosecution team who remained committed despite facing various legal, technical and jurisdictional challenges throughout the investigation period," he said in a statement today.Azam noted that the investigation team faced a complex and challenging process but adhered to strict legal standards to ensure the case could be brought to and tried in court.He also expressed his appreciation to local agencies that provided cooperation throughout the investigation, including Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the police

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 26 The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said the conviction of former prime mini...

PUTRAJAYA - Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was today found guilty on four charges of abusing his power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion from1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds.The verdict was handed down by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who previously presided over the 1MDB trial at the High Court. He has since been elevated to the Federal Court.He found the prosecution had succeeded in proving every one of the 25 charges against Najibbeyond a reasonable doubt.Najib, 72, faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds through the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan between Feb 24,2011, and Dec 19,2014.These charges were brought under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which carries up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of either five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.As for the additional 21 counts of money laundering, he is accused of committing the offences at the same bank between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.These charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5 million, or both.Throughout the proceedings, Najib, dressed in a blue suit, remained composed

PUTRAJAYA Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was found guilty by the High Court on Friday of four charges of abusing his position to commit corruption involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds amounting to RM2.3 billion between 2011 and 2014.Trial judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now a Federal Court judge), who was presiding at the Palace of Justice here, delivered the decision after finding that the defence representing Najib, 72, had failed to raise reasonable doubt at the close of the defences case.In reading out the decision, which began at 9.13am and resumed after Friday prayers at 3.02pm, the judge stated that he was satisfied that all four charges were clear and did not overlap with one another.I find that the prosecution has proven its case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt in respect of the first, second, third and fourth charges under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act

Justice Sequerah further dismissed Najibs assertion that he was solely focused on managing the country, emphasising that he had instructed Jho Low to accompany his former aide, Datuk Amhari Effendi Nazaruddin, on trips to Abu Dhabi and China.The inference here is that Jho Low acted as Najibs proxy, conduit and agent. The argument by the defence that Najib was misled by the 1MDB management is unmeritorious, he said.The court is now adjourned for Friday prayers and will resume at 3 pm.Najib, 72, faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds through the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan between Feb 24, 2011, and Dec 19, 2014.These charges were brought under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which carries up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of either five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.As for the additional 21 counts of money laundering, he is accused of committing the offences at the same bank between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.These charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5 million, or both, upon conviction

PUTRAJAYA The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled today that four letters submitted as evidence of purported donations from the Saudi Arabian royal family were "forgeries."These letters were key to the defence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his trial involving four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds.Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, presiding at the Palace of Justice, noted that the original copies of these letters were never produced in court.He further observed that Najibs defence team failed to conduct any verification to confirm if the funds truly originated from the late King Abdullah.The letters were forged because evidence demonstrates that the money actually originated from 1MDB funds.Tracing of the funds shows they were channeled through private third-party entitiesnamely Vista Equity, Blackstone and Tanorewhich were owned by fugitive financier Eric Tan, the judge said.Justice Sequerah added that it was "highly unusual" for Najib not to have sent a formal letter of appreciation to the Saudi royal family as a gesture of gratitude for such a massive alleged donation.The judge, who was elevated to the Federal Court on December 3, characterised the origin of the funds as "highly suspicious."After spending over three hours reading his findings on the 25 charges, the judge adjourned proceedings at 12.15pm for Friday prayers.The hearing is set to resume at 3pm.I still require approximately one more hour to deliver the remainder of the decision, he informed the court.The Legal BackgroundNajib, 72, is currently facing:Four charges of abusing his position as Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Chairman of the 1MDB Board of Advisers to obtain gratification totaling RM2.3 billion.21 money laundering charges involving the receipt, transfer and use of illegal proceeds between 2011 and 2014.The offences were allegedly committed at AmIslamic Bank Berhad on Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.The abuse of power charges fall under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and a fine of five times the value of the bribe.The money laundering charges, framed under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA), carry a fine of up to RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years per count.Legal TeamsThe prosecution is led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Datuk Kamal Baharin Omar, while Najib is represented by a team led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Trial Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now a Federal Court judge), who is presiding at the Palace of Justice, is expected to deliver the decision at around 9am.Unlike the SRC International case, which saw the former prime minister convicted and currently serving a prison sentence, the RM2.3 billion 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case carries far greater legal, political and public perception implications, given the scale of the funds involved and the number of charges faced.From a legal standpoint, the central question today is whether Najibs defence team, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has succeeded in raising reasonable doubt against the prosecutions case.Over the course of 303 days of trial, including 10 days of final submissions at the close of the defence case beginning Oct 21 this year, the defence focused on the narrative that the former Pekan MP had no knowledge of or criminal intent behind the transactions linked to 1MDB, while also challenging the credibility and inferences drawn by the prosecution.However, the testimony of 76 witnesses, the lengthy trial period and the involvement of key figures from 1MDB and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) indicate that the prosecutions case was built comprehensively and structurally, rather than relying on one or two pieces of key evidence.Should the court convict Najib on all or part of the charges, the most significant question would be whether any prison sentences imposed would run concurrently or consecutively.If the court finds that the defence has successfully raised reasonable doubt, the former Umno president could be acquitted and discharged of the charges immediately.However, he would still remain in prison to serve his sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million in funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, for which his original 12-year jail term was reduced to six years, and his fine lowered from RM210 million to RM50 million.Regardless of the decision today, the high-profile case is not entirely concluded. The right to appeal at two higher courts, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court, remains open to both parties.Najib was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, may be punished under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, for each charge.For the 21 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFA), Najib was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

PUTRAJAYA -"We turn to Allah SWT, hoping that Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be freed and that his case will be dropped today."That was the heartfelt message from one of Najib's loyal supporters, Raidah Rashid, 65, fondly known as Kak Roy, when met by reporters outside the Federal Court here while awaiting the decision of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case involving Najib.Raidah said she and her friends from the "Friends of Najib" group gathered at the court compound as early as 6.45am to show their support for the former prime minister."Our hope is that the case we have been waiting on for seven years, with him going in and out of court, will finally come to an end."We have prayed for years. Today, he must be freed," she said.The court is set to decide today whether Najib will be acquitted or convicted on four corruption charges and 21 money laundering charges involving RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds.Trial judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now Federal Court judge), who is presiding at the Palace of Justice is expected to deliver the decision at 9am.This is the final criminal case faced by Najib, 72, which is at the trial stage.If the court finds that Najibs defence team, led by lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has successfully raised reasonable doubt in the prosecutions case, the former Umno president will be acquitted.However, if the court takes a different view, the judge will proceed to sentence the former Pekan MP.For the four corruption charges under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, Najib can be punished under Section 24(1) of the same law, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, for each charge.For the 21 money laundering charges under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA), the punishment includes a maximum fine of RM5 million, up to five years imprisonment, or both.The court will also decide whether any prison sentences will run concurrently or separately for the 25 charges.Regardless of todays outcome, both the prosecution and the defence still have the right to appeal at two higher levels the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.A total of 50 prosecution witnesses were called during the prosecution stage, which lasted 235 days and ended on May 30, 2024.On May 6 this year, the defence closed its case after hearing testimonies from 26 defence witnesses over 58 days.The high-profile trial spanned 303 days in total, including 10 days of final submissions at the end of the defence case, which began on Oct 21.Among the prosecution witnesses were former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, former 1MDB chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz and former company lawyer Jasmine Loo Ai Swan.Key defence witnesses included Najib himself, former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamarudin, Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin's sister, Tengku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud and former Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.The prosecution was initially led by former Federal Court judge the late Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, before his passing in January 2023.The case was later handled by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib, Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam, Deepa Nair Thevarahan, Nadia Mohd Izhar, Najwa Bistamam, Hazmida Harris Lee and Siti Aina Rodhiah Shikh Md Saud.Najibs defence team includes Shafee, Tania Scivetti, Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin, Wan Mohammad Arfan Wan Othman, Hartrisha Kaur Sandhu and Naresh Mayachandran.According to the charges, Najib allegedly committed the offences at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Bukit Ceylon, between Feb 24, 2011 and Dec 19, 2014

A source says several companies repeatedly secured high-value contracts from the army, raising suspicions.