PUTRAJAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived at the Palace of Justice today ahead of a decision in the RM2.3 billion 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial.
Najib arrived at 8.25am in a silver SUV to chants of "Hidup Bossku" from about 50 supporters gathered outside under tight security.
Also present for the court decision was his son Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib.
Some of the supporters arrived as early as 7am and were seen sitting near the court's main entrance to catch a glimpse of Najib, who arrive accompanied by police and prison officials.
The decision today will bring to a close one chapter of Najib's myriad legal troubles.
After more than seven years of courtroom skirmishes and marathon proceedings, judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah will decide whether the Najib is guilty or innocent of four charges of misappropriating 1MDB funds and 21 counts of money laundering.
Najib, who once wielded immense power as both prime minister and finance minister, has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the funds were political donations and that he was misled by those around him.
The prosecution has argued that Najib was not a passive recipient, but the ultimate decision-maker who enabled and benefitted from a complex web of financial manoeuvres that drained public funds.
The defence, meanwhile, insists the case is riddled with gaps, political motives and unproven assumptions.
Najib set up the 1MDB development fund shortly after he took office in 2009.
Najib is currently serving his six year sentence in Kajang prison after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn. Bhd., a former 1MDB subsidiary.
Police had beefed up security at the Palace of Justice in anticipation of hundreds of supporters expected to gather to show solidarity with the former Umno president.
Pressmen who arrived as early as 7am were required to register with security before being allowed into the courtroom.
However, supporters were not allowed to enter the building, as security had cordoned off the premises, allowing access only to those with official business with the judiciary.
Several prominent politicians were spotted within the court compound, including former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Said and former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Harun.
Former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah was also present. - NST
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