Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib, former treasury chief charged with trespassing

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his senior Treasury official were charged Thursday with six counts of breach of trust involving RMB 6.6 billion (1). , $ 58 billion) of public funds.

The charges against Najib and Irwan Serigar Abdullah, the former Secretary General of the Malaysian Treasury, were the latest in a growing crackdown on corruption.

Both pleaded not guilty to all charges.

If he is found guilty, each charge is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a pecuniary sentence and a flogging penalty. but Najib and Irwan would be exempt from flogging if they are over 50 years old.

Prosecutors said the two men allegedly committed the breach of trust with 220 million ringgits of public funds destined for the international airport of Kuala Lumpur Berhad and 1.3 billion ringgits intended for to a cash grant and assistance program.

They also committed the offense with 5.12 billion ringgits of other public funds, prosecutors said.

Najib is already facing 32 counts of money laundering, bribery and breach of trust for transactions related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) public fund. Najib pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to open next year.

The US authorities claim that $ 4.5 billion was diverted from the fund and about $ 700 million was diverted into Najib's bank accounts.

The 1MDB corruption scandal, founded by Najib in 2009, led to the collapse of his coalition in the May general election.

Several former senior officials have been charged with alleged corruption since the unexpected electoral victory of a coalition led by Mahathir Mohamad.

Last week, former Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was indicted for 45 offenses, including money laundering and accepting bribes. He pleaded not guilty.

($ 1 = 4,1660 ringgits)