Najib pleads not guilty, granted RM1m bail

KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): Embattled former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has pleaded not guilty over four charges read against him in relation to embezzlement of funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.

At present, it is understood that High Court judge Datuk Mohd Sofian Abdul Razak has allowed bail at RM1 million cash for all charges, with his two passports to be surrendered to court.

The bail is to be paid in two tranches — RM500,000 today and the balance by 3pm Monday, July 9.

Earlier, Najib had the charges read to him at the Sessions Court before the case was transferred to the High Court, under the request of the prosecution team.

In one charge sheet, Najib was charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for receiving kickbacks amounting to RM42 million for participating in the government's decision to provide guarantee over loans of RM4 billion from Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) or KWAP to SRC International.  

If found guilty, the former premier could face a maximum jail time of 20 years and fine of up to five times the value of the bribe.

He also faced three separate charges under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust amounting to RM27 million, RM5 million and RM10 million — totalling RM42 million — all allegedly siphoned from SRC International.

If found guilty, Najib could face jail time of between two and 20 years, and potentially whipping and fine.

The prosecution team, led by Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, had earlier requested bail of RM1 million for each charge.

Najib's defence team in return asked that bail for the former premier to be set at RM500,000-RM800,000, and for it to be satisfied with the land title of his residence along Jalan Langgak Duta.

The request, said lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, was made considering Najib's bank accounts have been frozen amid ongoing investigations.

Thomas, in response, argued: “Look at it from the constitution and perspective of public interests and courts. How my learned friend downplayed the RM42 million charge which the whole world has known. This has brought shame to the country.”

While a few of Najib's children have come to provide support, his brothers and wife were noticeably absent from the hearing today.

His wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, had also been summoned by the MACC sometime last month to have her statement taken in relation to investigations involving Najib.

She was advised by her counsel, lawyer Datuk K Kumaraendran, not to attend today’s hearing, according to reports. — theedgemarkets.com

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