In a momentous decision for Malaysia’s judicial history, the High Court in Putrajaya has sentenced former Prime Minister Najib Razak to an additional 15 years in prison. This ruling marks a definitive, if somber, chapter in the long-running 1MDB sovereign wealth fund scandal, an ordeal that has strained the nation’s financial and political fabric for over a decade.
The verdict, delivered by Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah on December 26, 2025, follows a marathon trial that meticulously untangled one of the world’s most complex financial frauds. For the people of Malaysia, this was never just about a legal process; it was about the hope for accountability after years of watching their national resources disappear into a web of global excess.
Najib Razak, former Malaysian leader, sentenced to jail for 1MDB scandal
As per the latest Business Insider report, the court found the 72-year-old political veteran guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering. At the heart of the case was the illegal transfer of approximately 2.3 billion ringgit (roughly $544 million) from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund into Najib’s personal accounts.
While the 15-year terms for abuse of power are to run concurrently, the judge ruled that this new period of incarceration will begin only after Najib completes his current six-year term, effectively ensuring he remains behind bars well into the next decade.
Beyond the prison sentence, the financial penalties are staggering. The court imposed a total fine of 11.4 billion ringgit (approximately $2.8 billion) and ordered the recovery of another 2.1 billion ringgit in assets. Justice Sequerah’s ruling served as a stern moral indictment; he dismissed the defense’s long-standing claim that the funds were a “political donation” from the Saudi royal family as a “tale that surpassed even those from the Arabian Nights.” He characterized Najib not as an unwitting bystander, but as the “single most powerful decision-maker” who held absolute control over the nation’s wealth.
This conviction carries a profound human weight. The 1MDB scandal represents a betrayal of trust that hit ordinary Malaysians the hardest, as billions meant for schools, infrastructure, and poverty relief were instead siphoned off for luxury superyachts, high-end real estate, and Hollywood films. To many who stood outside the courthouse, the verdict was a validation of their years of protest and a signal that the rule of law can finally reach the highest levels of power.
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How has Najib Razak’s verdict impacted the country?
The professional handling of the proceedings, from the five-hour reading of the judgment to the immediate filing of an appeal by Najib’s legal team, reflects a judiciary intent on demonstrating its independence. For Najib, a scion of a prominent political family, the verdict represents a tragic fall from grace. Despite his public apologies for the “oversight” during his tenure, the court maintained that his close association with fugitive financier Jho Low was an “unmistakable bond” that facilitated the plunder of the nation.
As Malaysia moves forward, this sentencing serves as a landmark for political integrity and the equal weight of justice. It sends a clear message that no leader is above the rules that govern their society. While the legal process will continue through the appeals court, the ruling provides a necessary sense of closure, reaffirming a commitment to fairness and honesty that is essential for the country’s healing and future growth.
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