In a Malaysian courthouse, Putrajaya, on Friday, the 26th of December 2025, the High Court convicted Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of a 15-year prison sentence for the largest corruption trial involving corruption at 1Malaysia Development Berhad until this date The ex-prime minister was charged with abuse of power corruption for four counts as well as 21 counts of money laundering for about RM2.2 billion or US$544 million in the ex-prime minister’s own bank accounts.
For each count of abuse of power, Sequerah faced a 15-year prison cell and an additional five years for each money laundering charge, and all of these were to be served concurrently – thus a maximum of 15 years for each guilty plea in this situation. Sequerah has been ordered by the court to pay a fine of approximately RM11.38 billion or $2.8 billion for each of his convictions for his abuse of power.
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1. Judgment & Sentence
The new sentence must be served only after completion of a current imprisonment, which has been imposed on Najib for a separate charge in the SRC International case, as the years will be added to an existing sentence of imprisonment.
2. Background
1MDB is an investment fund that was state-funded, which existed as far back as 2009 during the tenure of Najib as prime minister and finance minister concurrently in the government of Malaysia as a state. Being primarily created for development in Malaysia as a state in economics, 1MDB mysteriously had at least $4.5 billion siphoned off in one way or another in shell companies around the world.
This was called a “kleptocracy at its worst” by the U.S. government and international prosecutors. Some of these funds went towards the operation of luxurious facilities and property as well as the production of films in Hollywood. There are also some cases and settlements in relation to Goldman Sachs, which raised funds in support of 1MDB.
3. Najib’s Defence and Court Response
Najib has denied any involvement in these crimes, since he claimed that he received funding in politics from a Saudi prince and therefore all the money he has in his bank account. This was disputed by the judge, as he asserts that he has full knowledge and control over these cash transactions.
In this mitigation hearing case, there was legal representation from the defense lawyer, who showed mercy because his client was 72 years old, aside from his previous sentence, although he has not benefited at all because of political reasons. However, the courts imposed tough sentencing for the offender, which will be valid once he is done with his current term in prison.
4. Fine & Financial Orders
Besides serving jail terms, there is a fine of approximately RM 11.38 billion imposed on Najib for abuse of power as well. Over and above that, there is an added fine to be paid, and a certain amount of approximately RM 2.08 billion is to be repayable based on the regulations of anti-money laundering laws for unlawful funds that have been received by Najib. Failure to repay this fine and amount attracts serving jail terms.
5. Political & Social Influence
The 1MDB scandal was one of the reasons that resulted in the fall of ruling power by the political party, Barisan Nasional, which has been ruling Malaysia for over eight decades during the 2018 general elections. The guilty plea by Najib and harsh sentence have major implications in Malaysian politics, especially with respect to matters relating to corruption, political accountability, and independence of the judicial system.
This is also putting added pressure on the current government, under its current prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who is caught up and sandwiched in terms of governance, justice, and political stability concerning ongoing discussions over UMNO presence and its transformations.
6. Next legal steps
Najib and his lawyers have also made it clear that they are planning an appeal against the guilty verdict. Despite the guilty verdict being scheduled against Najib by the High Court of Justice in Kuala Lumpur, Najib has an opportunity through the Court of Appeal and Federal Court of Malaysia. Conclusion
Ex-prime minister Najib Razak received an additional 15 years in prison, along with hefty fines, in the largest 1MDB scandal to date. The sentences will run concurrently, although they will begin once he finishes his term, likely in the 2030s. This scandal continues to be part of the politics of Malaysia, the integrity of enforcement agencies, and the perception of corruption within the global financial institution.
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