Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court August 20, 2019. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Claims that Najib and his cronies pilfered massive sums from the fund and spent it on everything from real estate to artwork contributed to the defeat of his long-ruling coalition to a reformist alliance.He is expected to face several trials, with the first having started in April. When reports surfaced that huge sums linked to the fund had flowed into Najib’s bank account, it dramatically ratcheted up pressure on the leader and his inner circle.
As allegations surrounding the fund multiplied, Najib became increasingly authoritarian, jailing political opponents and introducing laws that critics said were aimed at stifling dissent.But Najib’s lawyers have complained they have not had sufficient time to prepare for such a major trial as the first case is still ongoing.