KUALA LUMPUR – Prosecutors have called for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to face the maximum 20-year prison sentence after his conviction on charges of abuse of power and money laundering, involving nearly RM2.2 billion linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
In court today, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib highlighted that the scale of Najib’s offences was among the most serious ever committed in Malaysia. He underscored that public interest should be the leading factor in determining the sentence, local media reported.
“The misappropriation of public funds resulted in significant damage to Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage,” said Ahmad Akram.
“More critically, the financial repercussions continue to burden the Malaysian government.”
He went on to stress that any sentence must serve as a strong deterrent, in line with the severity of the crimes, which had far-reaching consequences for both Malaysia’s finances and its global standing. “The magnitude of the losses and the ongoing financial burden on the government demand a sentence that unequivocally reflects society’s condemnation of these actions,” he continued.
Ahmad Akram also argued that the case was particularly grave due to Najib’s abuse of high public office and his previous convictions for similar crimes. He urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, stating that such a punishment was not only justified but necessary to uphold the rule of law.
In relation to the fines, the prosecution has requested RM11,387,888,067.05, which is five times the amount Najib illicitly gained. The figure is based on the RM2,277,577,613.41 obtained through abuse of his positions at 1MDB.
The prosecution has also sought for the sentences to run consecutively, adding that they should only take effect after Najib serves his current six-year prison term, which he is already serving for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, however, requested the court to impose a lenient sentence, highlighting that Najib had already endured substantial punishment and urging the court to consider his client’s age and health. “Any custodial term should be the minimum allowed by law, and any fines should be reasonable based on his current financial means,” Shafee argued.
He also maintained that Najib had not personally benefited from the 1MDB misappropriation, stating that the funds were mostly used for political and welfare purposes under the Barisan Nasional framework. Shafee further appealed for the sentences to run concurrently with Najib’s ongoing imprisonment at Kajang Prison.
The court is now set to review both the prosecution’s requests for the maximum penalty and the defence’s plea for leniency before delivering its sentencing decision in one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Malaysian legal history.
Prosecutors demand record fines
In addition to the prison sentence, the prosecution has sought record-breaking fines totaling RM11 billion, five times the value of the misappropriated funds. Lead prosecutor Ahmad Akram noted that the magnitude of the financial crimes warranted such a severe penalty.
The court also questioned the consequences should Najib be unable to pay the fines, to which Ahmad Akram responded that imprisonment would follow if the fines remained unpaid.
As the case progresses, both sides await the court’s decision, which will set a significant precedent in Malaysia’s legal landscape. – December 26, 2025