Najib's DNAA: PM passes the buck to AG, judge

Summary

• PM Anwar sidesteps questions over DNAA received by Najib, saying it's up to the attorney-general and the presiding judge.

• This comes after the court grants a conditional discharge over RM27 million SRC International-linked charges.

• PKR MP Rafizi had earlier demanded answers, slamming prosecution’s delays and urging AGC to refile charges promptly to avoid further setbacks in the long-pending case.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has distanced himself from the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Najib Abdul Razak, instead directing queries to the attorney-general.

"I don't want to get involved, that's a matter for the judge... that's a matter for the attorney-general," Free Malaysia Today quoted him as saying briefly when met by reporters after performing Friday prayers in Puchong.

Earlier today, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge K Muniandy granted the conditional discharge after allowing Najib’s application for the DNAA over three money laundering charges involving RM27 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

A DNAA means the accused is temporarily discharged from the charges, but may still be prosecuted for the same offences in the future if the prosecution decides to reinstate them.

In his ruling, Muniandy noted that the case against Najib has been pending since 2019 without a single witness called.

Instead, it has been marked by persistent postponements, indicating that the prosecution is not prepared to proceed.

Rafizi wants answers

PKR MP Rafizi Ramli has since urged the prosecution to explain the weakness that led to the court granting the former prime minister a DNAA, questioning why the prosecution had taken so long to prepare the necessary documents to proceed with the case.

Rafizi 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.

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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