Supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak began assembling outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya early Friday, offering prayers and chanting slogans ahead of a court decision in the RM2.3 billion 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial.
By 7.30am, around 50 supporters were already present, with more expected as several buses believed to be carrying Najib’s supporters arrived at the scene. Chants of “Hidup Bossku” and “Bebas Bossku” rang out as dozens of local and international media gathered to cover the proceedings. “Bossku” is a popular nickname used by Najib’s supporters.
Among those present was 69-year-old Selangor retiree Alias Samat, who said he left Kuala Selangor at about 5am and arrived in Putrajaya around 6am.
“I hope that today’s decision, on this blessed Friday, will be in Najib’s favour and that he will be freed from the charges against him,” he told reporters.
Another supporter, Radhiah M. Rashid, 67, from Rawang, said supporters were hoping for Najib’s acquittal, adding that the case had dragged on for nearly seven years.
“Our hope is shared by Bossku supporters across the country. We are saddened that some key witnesses were not present during the trial,” she said, questioning why individuals allegedly linked to large sums of money were still free while Najib faced repeated court appearances.
Police stepped up security at the Palace of Justice in anticipation of a larger crowd. Members of the media arriving as early as 7am were required to register with security before being allowed into the courtroom. Supporters were barred from entering the building, with access restricted to those with official judicial business.
Several prominent figures were seen within the compound, including former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Said, former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Harun, Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, and MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
Friday’s ruling is expected to conclude a major chapter in Najib’s long-running legal battles. After more than seven years of proceedings, High Court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah will decide whether Najib is guilty of four charges of misappropriating 1MDB funds and 21 counts of money laundering.
Najib, who previously served as both prime minister and finance minister, has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the funds were political donations and that he was misled by others. The prosecution argues that he was the central decision-maker who enabled and benefited from complex financial transactions that siphoned public funds, while the defence maintains the case is flawed and driven by political motives.
