Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged Malaysians to remain calm and rational following his conviction and sentencing by the High Court today in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case involving nearly RM2.2 billion.
In a statement read by his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Najib said he would continue to pursue his rights through legitimate legal avenues and expressed confidence in the country’s judicial system despite the court’s decision.
“Regardless of today’s outcome, I remain confident in the nation’s judiciary,” he said, calling on Malaysians to view the matter calmly and objectively, not merely in relation to his personal fate, but in the interest of safeguarding national institutions and shared principles.
Najib also urged the public to express differing views in a mature and lawful manner, and not to be influenced by provocations that could threaten public order or undermine the integrity of the courts.
He said he often feels compelled to bear the weight of his struggle alone, stressing that his actions were guided by principle rather than vengeance.
“My intention has never changed — I wish to contribute to the nation’s prosperity and the harmony of its people,” he said.
Earlier, the High Court sentenced Najib to 15 years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of RM11.38 billion after finding him guilty of abuse of power and money laundering. The court ordered the jail terms to run concurrently, with an additional 10 years’ imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine linked to the four abuse of power charges.
Najib is currently serving a separate six-year prison sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. His sentence in that case is expected to end in August 2028 or August 2029, depending on whether the RM50 million fine is paid.
