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Najib Razak

After nine years as Malaysia's prime minister, Najib Razak was driven from office in 2018 when he lost a general election to Mahathir Mohamad. The result was a political earthquake in Malaysia, where the Barisan Nasional coalition had held sway for more than 60 years. It also exposed Najib to prosecution over the vast corruption scandal engulfing state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which he established. Police seized luxury goods worth millions of dollars from Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansoor, and Najib has since been charged over his role in the scandal, including several counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power.

Born

23 Jul 1953

Industry

Politics, Crime

Job Title

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia

Najib Razak

Malaysia’s Anwar reshuffles cabinet to focus on ‘stronger growth’

The changes come after months of pressure on his government, sparked by several key resignations and rising inflation.

Najib’s wife cleared as Malaysia drops money laundering, tax evasion appeal

Fugitive Jho Low’s sister and associate ordered to pay US$2.8 billion to 1MDB

Standard Chartered faces US$2.7 billion 1MDB suit in Singapore

The lawsuit alleges Standard Chartered enabled acts of fraud leading to US$2.7 billion in losses over a decade. The bank plans to appeal.

Najib, son face bankruptcy after Malaysian court’s tax ruling

Malaysia’s revenue board initiated the proceedings after the former prime minister and his son failed to settle their tax arrears.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Asian Angle | Why Malaysia’s fuel subsidy reform is stuck in the slow lane

Fears of a 2008-style backlash and poor public transport are keeping Anwar’s government from slashing the huge, regressive fuel subsidy bill.

Singapore court rejects 1MDB-linked suit against Standard Chartered, BSI

The judge dismissed the liquidators’ suit as the alleged transactions happened before Singapore’s cross-border insolvency law took effect.

Anwar vs Mahathir: Malaysia’s corruption showdown comes full circle

The current prime minister’s anti-corruption drive is shattering the myth that Malaysia’s political elites are untouchable.

Najib-linked murder case that gripped Malaysia for 19 years takes fresh twist

The father of the Mongolian woman has sought a new investigation into her 2006 killing, alleging the ex-PM’s involvement.

How Malaysia’s bid to prevent a ‘corrupt-minded society’ is taking a comic turn

Anti-corruption chief Azam Baki turns to comics, films and live-streams to stop Malaysia from becoming a ‘corrupt-minded society’.

‘Shut up or Aids’: Malaysian politician threatened after syringe attack on son

The ex-minister says he believes the attack is an attempt to silence him after he met whistle-blowers on a corruption scandal.

Malaysia’s Najib gets legal lifeline in house arrest bid over 1MDB sentence

The ruling has revived the ex-PM’s controversial claim that an ‘addendum’ from the former king would let him serve his sentence at home.

Anwar’s chief justice pick tests Malaysia’s faith in the courts

As ex-Umno insider Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh takes his seat at the apex of the judiciary, he inherits not merely a bench but a burden.

Malaysia says no evidence of Jho Low living in China with fake passport

Malaysia’s home minister says the government is working with international authorities to catch the 1MDB fugitive.

Asian Angle | Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad: a 100-year mixed legacy

From nation-building triumphs to institutional erosion, the 100-year legacy of Malaysia’s two-time prime minister is complex.

Malaysia has a new chief justice but appointment stirs fresh controversy

Wan Ahmad Farid’s political ties to 1MDB scandal-hit Najib have raised concerns about judicial independence.

Anwar’s big surprise? Malaysians sceptical over ‘tribute’ teaser post

Malaysia’s prime minister posted a cryptic ‘Coming Soon’ message on social media on Monday, stirring speculation about what it could mean.

Malaysia’s Rosmah wins US$23,600 damages over black magic claims by TikTokker

The presiding judge says Rosmah Mansor’s previous corruption conviction should not affect the damages awarded to her in the defamation case.

Malaysia PM’s ex-son-in-law declared bankrupt over US$1.25million ‘friendly loan’

Fashion designer Jovian Mandagie, once married to Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s daughter, was declared bankrupt, adding to scandals surrounding the former leader’s family.

Standard Chartered in Singapore faces US$2.7 billion lawsuit linked to 1MDB

Malaysian liquidators are suing Standard Chartered in Singapore, claiming the bank ignored red flags and suspicious transfers, a claim the bank strongly denies.

Malaysia’s Najib discharged over US$6.3 million money laundering case

The ruling comes after the former prime minister was also given a legal reprieve last year in a separate 1MDB-related embezzlement case.

Malaysian cartoonist vows to sue authorities over his ‘travel ban’

Fahmi Reza, who has published satirical artworks targeting Malaysian politicians, was planning to travel to Singapore when he was stopped.

Is Malaysia’s Umno set for a comeback amid Anwar’s cabinet chaos?

The sudden exit of two cabinet ministers has rocked Anwar Ibrahim’s government. Malaysia’s long-ruling Umno could be set to capitalise.

Ex-Goldman banker Leissner gets 2 years in 1MDB fraud case

The German citizen had hoped to avoid prison for helping to loot the Malaysian investment fund by cooperating with prosecutors.

Anwar Ibrahim mints a dynasty – but Malaysia’s youth aren’t buying it

The rapid ascent of Anwar’s heir apparent Nurul Izzah has alienated many young Malaysians who are tired of old feuds and unfulfilled promises.

In Malaysia, PKR row deepens as race between Anwar’s daughter, Rafizi heats up

The entry of Nurul Izzah Anwar as a candidate for PKR’s deputy president in the party’s May 23 election has triggered nepotism claims.

Malaysia’s Anwar risks single term as PM, minister warns, as party rift widens

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli says PKR has squandered its clean image, amid nepotism claims linked to moves to promote Anwar’s daughter.

Are Malaysia’s whistle-blower laws protecting the wrong people?

A businessman who exposed alleged corruption is now facing scrutiny himself, raising questions about Malaysia’s anti-graft legal framework.

Asian Angle | Why Malaysia’s fuel subsidy reform is stuck in the slow lane