A Malaysian court has mandated that former Prime Minister Najib Razak enter a defense in his ongoing trial related to the 1MDB scandal, which involves charges of power abuse and money laundering.

Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah stated that the prosecution has effectively established a case against Najib, who faces four counts of abuse of power linked to alleged bribes totaling 2.27 billion ringgit (approximately $517 million) and 21 counts of money laundering.

Najib, appearing calm in a navy-blue suit, expressed his disappointment at the court’s ruling but affirmed his intention to testify in his defense when the trial commences on December 2.

His lead attorney, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, emphasized their determination to fight the case despite the setback.

The charges carry significant penalties, with each abuse of power count potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.

Najib, who began serving a 12-year sentence for related offenses in August 2022, has previously expressed remorse over the 1MDB scandal, which occurred during his tenure but maintains he was unaware of any illicit activities.

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The 1MDB scandal, which saw billions of dollars misappropriated from the state investment fund, led to Najib’s ousting in the 2018 elections and has prompted international investigations, including in the United States and Switzerland.

This latest trial is one of five cases against him connected to the scandal.