Najib can still perform functions as an MP

Najib Abdul Razak, who was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and fined RM210 million for his abuse of power, can still carry out his duties as Pekan Member of Parliament until the appeal process is completed, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun (above) said.

The former prime minister could also attend the current Dewan Rakyat session, which will last until Aug 27, he said.

"According to the provisions of the Federal Constitution, his status as a Member of Parliament has not changed until all the appeal process is completed," Azhar said briefly when contacted in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Article 48 (1) (e) of the Federal Constitution states that a Member of Parliament will be disqualified if he is sentenced to more than one year in prison or a fine of more than RM2,000 and does not receive a pardon.

However, he is likely to be banned from running for political office in the next general election.

Najib (below), 67, was found guilty of all seven charges involving criminal breach of trust (CBT), money laundering and abuse of power involving RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

High Court judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali made the decision after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in proving the case on all charges against Najib.

The Pekan MP was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment for every three charges of CBT cases and every money laundering case while 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM210 million or five years’ imprisonment in cases of abuse of position.

Najib only needs to serve 12 years in prison after judge Nazlan ordered that the prison sentence be carried out simultaneously.

- Bernama

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