Datuk Seri Najib Razak will file an appeal against the High Court’s decision that sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment and imposed a RM13.4 billion fine following his conviction in the 1MDB corruption case today.
His lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said the appeal would be lodged on Monday, adding that the defence team was confident in challenging what he described as serious errors made during the trial.
Earlier, Najib was sentenced to a combined total of 165 years’ imprisonment and fined RM13.4 billion after being found guilty of abuse of power and money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds. However, the court ordered that the jail terms be served concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years.
Speaking at a press conference after the verdict, Shafee said he was deeply saddened for his client but optimistic about the appeal.
“The more blunders a judge makes, the better our chances,” he said.
Shafee revealed that among the key issues to be raised on appeal was the court’s admission of hearsay evidence throughout the proceedings.
He added that the verdict marked the first time in his legal career that he had failed on every argument presented to the court.
“Not even a small crumb. The judge gave us nothing. Everything went to the prosecution, nothing to us,” he said.
While stressing that he was not complaining, Shafee questioned the likelihood that the defence could have lost on every single point if the case had been fairly assessed.
“I am looking forward to arguing the case at the Court of Appeal,” he said.
