KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has expressed relief after the High Court granted him a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) from three charges of money laundering involving RM27 million linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
His lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, conveyed Najib’s reaction during a press conference after the court proceedings today.
“Najib has long sought a DNAA for this case, and he is very pleased to have received it today,” Shafee said, as quoted by Berita Harian.
“Now, with fewer cases hanging over him, he can focus his attention on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial.”
Earlier, High Court judge K. Muniandy allowed Najib’s application for a DNAA, taking into account the prolonged delay in the commencement of the trial since the charges were first filed in 2019.
The judge said the uncertainty over when the trial would begin had resulted in a lengthy wait, imposing an ongoing burden on Najib and depriving him of his right to timely resolution and justice.
However, Shafee noted that Najib would return to prison as he is currently serving a 12-year sentence after being convicted in July 2020 on seven charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering involving RM42 million from SRC funds.
“He is discharged from this case, but as he is still serving his sentence, he must return to prison,” Shafee said.
On February 3, 2019, Najib pleaded not guilty to three charges of receiving RM27 million in proceeds from unlawful activities through his AmPrivate Banking accounts at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, located at the Ambank Group Building on Jalan Raja Chulan, on July 8, 2014.
The former Pekan MP was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM5 million, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
Najib is currently serving his sentence at Kajang Prison following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International.
He filed a royal pardon petition on September 2, 2022, and on January 29, 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his sentence from 12 years to six years and lowered his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million. – June 20, 2025