Rafizi demands Najib DNAA explanation, confirmation of quick refile

Summary

• Rafizi Ramli wants the prosecution to explain Najib’s DNAA.

• PKR MP says weakness in handling the case needs to be addressed.

PKR MP Rafizi Ramli has urged the prosecution to explain the weakness that led the Kuala Lumpur High Court to grant a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in his SRC International Sdn Bhd money laundering case.

He said that while he respected Najib’s right to apply for a DNAA - given the long wait since 2019 - and the court’s decision to allow the application, he could not understand why the prosecution had taken so long to prepare the necessary documents to proceed with the case.

“All the more so, this case is related to SRC, for which Najib is serving a sentence after being convicted in the first case involving SRC.

“From my experience studying and exposing the 1MDB and SRC scandals previously, the misappropriation involving SRC had a much clearer money trail. This weakness needs to be addressed by the prosecution.

“Many Malaysians do not want to see this case fade away due to the failure of the prosecutors (who represent the government) to prepare the necessary documentary evidence for court, especially in relation to a scandal (namely SRC) where a conviction has already been secured,” he added.

Rafizi (above) also called on the prosecution to confirm that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) will refile the charges as soon as possible and ensure that all documents are in order, so the case can proceed without further delay.

“As an MP, I will closely monitor the progress of this case to ensure it does not slip from public attention,” he added in a statement.

Judge rules DNAA

Earlier, High Court judge K Muniandy stated that the DNAA, which temporarily drops the charges, does not prejudice the prosecution as they remain free to refile charges against Najib when ready.

On Feb 3, 2019, Najib, 72, was charged with three counts of receiving RM27 million in proceeds from unlawful activities through three AmPrivate Banking accounts under his name at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, located in the Ambank Group building on Jalan Raja Chulan, on July 8, 2014.

The charges were framed 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 five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5 million, or both.

Najib has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million in funds belonging to SRC International.

Following this morning’s decision, the former premier’s counsel Shafee Abdullah said his client is elated - even though he must return to prison - because he can now focus solely on the 1MDB case.

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