Ex-Malaysian PM Najib summoned by graft agency over new 1MDB-linked case

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak has returned to the anti-graft agency to face what is believed to be a fresh case linked to troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

A source told The Straits Times the Pekan Member of Parliament is being probed for alleged abuse of power.

"Yes, he arrived at 10am. The team will quiz him on land (matters) and projects," the source said.

"It is linked to abuse of power," the source said, adding that the fresh case was related to some contract procurement matters.

This is the fifth time Najib has been summoned for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

MACC deputy commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed with The Straits Times that Najib was called in for another round of questioning on Tuesday. He declined to disclose more details.

It is learnt that Najib entered the MACC headquarters on Tuesday via a back door.

Najib, 65, was last summoned to the MACC on Sept 19, when he was held overnight and brought to court the next day to face multiple charges.

After the Barisan Nasional coalition lost power in the May general election, he was charged in the Malaysian court over cases linked to 1MDB, the state fund started by him in 2009. The fund is being probed in more than six countries for the alleged siphoning of some US$4.5 billion (S$6.2 billion) of its monies.

He faces 32 charges involving criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power.

These include charges related to the US$681 million that went into his personal bank account, and also another RM42 million allegedly paid by SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB, into his bank account. Najib has denied any wrongdoing.

He is the first former Malaysian premier to be arrested and charged in court for alleged corruption.

The charges mean Najib could face up to 15 years in jail and a fine of not less than five times the value of the proceeds of unlawful activities, or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

For the four counts of abuse of power, he could face a jail term not exceeding 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification in the offence, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

THE STRAITS TIMES