Najib to face slew of 1MDB-related charges 'very soon'

Najib Abdul Razak is expected to be hauled to court again to face a slew of charges in relation to the 1MDB scandal, according to sources.

The former premier's next court date could come just days ahead of the Umno general assembly, which is scheduled to take place on Sept 29 and 30.

A police source familiar with the investigation said Najib might face up to six charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla) in less than two weeks.

Previously, the former premier was slapped with a total of seven charges in connection with SRC International Sdn Bhd.

It is learned that the initial plan was to charge Najib tomorrow but this was postponed pending the outcome of a meeting between the police and MACC.

"Police have completed their investigations. According to the plan, the police wanted to charge him tomorrow but there is a meeting with the MACC. He will be charged very soon," added the source.

Meanwhile, a source close to Najib's lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the authorities have notified the latter regarding the move to charge his client again.

"The latest will be by next week. The charge will include offences on 'small transactions' allegedly using 1MDB money," the source told Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini has contacted MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull and Shafee for confirmation.

Police had quizzed Najib on Aug 27 and 30. It is learned the former premier was questioned on a number of financial transactions, some dating as far back as 2011.

Yesterday, it was reported that Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor could also face up to 20 criminal chargessoon - most of them related to money laundering.

Last Friday, the former premier's lawyer Shafee was also slapped with four charges of money laundering involving RM9.5 million that he received from Najib. - Mkini