KUALA LUMPUR – Newly released Malaysian political heavyweight Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he expects ex-premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak to be jailed over multi-billion-dollar graft claims.
In an interview with AFP a day after he walked free from custody — where he had languished since 2015 on what supporters say were trumped-up charges levelled at Najib’s behest — Anwar also said he would be back in parliament very soon.
“Give me a few months, I should be back as an MP. It is the correct thing to do,” he said.
Anwar’s release yesterday capped an astonishing week in Malaysian politics that saw Najib’s long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition booted from power in a revolution at the ballot box.
The election dramatically reversed Anwar’s fortunes, from prisoner to presumptive successor to 92-year-old Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
It also imperilled Najib, who Anwar said now faces an “arduous” legal battle — without the protection of high office.
Accused of overseeing the plundering of state fund 1MDB, Najib’s position has looked increasingly precarious. Police carried out extensive searches of his home overnight.
Anwar predicted that Najib would likely take up the spot he had just vacated in prison.
“He will certainly be charged,” he said.
Anwar declined to say how he thought Najib’s case would play out, as it depended on “how he can defend himself in court”.
But Anwar added: “It will be very difficult for him to escape (going to) prison.”
Mahathir, who came out of retirement to lead the revolt against Najib, has vowed to hand power to Anwar within two years.
The younger man’s return to politics has been the subject of much speculation and he confirmed he would be seeking to contest a by-election to return as an MP soon — but would not seek a position on the front benches just yet.
“I am not intending to join the Cabinet,” he said he had told Mahathir. — AFP
Cops drilling safe locked for two decades in Najib’s house
The police are attempting to drill open a safe in former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, Kuala Lumpur, which has allegedly remained locked for two decades.
His lawyer Harpal Singh Grewal also claimed the key has been misplaced.
“At about 8.30am, some of the officers proceeded to a room located on the first floor and decided to drill open the safe.
“There is absolutely no peace and quiet at his residence.
“The search conducted in the premises and the items seized thus far would seem of insignificant value and the continued presence of police officers in his residence and the drilling of the old safe strongly suggests unwarranted harassment,” he told reporters.
Harpal said this has caused mental distress and anguish to the former premier’s family, staff and others in the house.
Asked what was in the safe, the lawyer replied: “God knows”. – M’kini
After 18 hours, Black Maria leaves Najib’s home with boxes, unknown man
After an almost 18-hour raid on former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s Langgak Duta residence, a “Black Maria” has left the scene carrying what appears to be stacks of turquoise-coloured boxes.
At the back of the truck were a police officer and a bespectacled man dressed in a light-coloured shirt.
He did not identify himself to members of the media despite repeated questions.
The Black Maria, a vehicle often used to pick up convicted persons, was accompanied by two police outriders and a police car with the siren on.
As it began to rain heavily, the vehicles wove through heavy rush-hour traffic and the outriders attempted to clear the road.
It is unsure where the entourage will be heading. – M’kini
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