“If this court is fair, we believe the verdict will show that rule of law truly exists in this country,” the former prime minister said hours after he was charged at the Sessions Court today following his overnight detention by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
The court was told that Najib as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of the advisory board of 1MDB had received some RM2.3 billion between 2011 and 2014.
The 25 charges against him today are in addition to the seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and power abuse brought against him earlier.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters as he left the court complex on Jalan Duta, Najib pleaded to Barisan Nasional MPs to remain loyal to the coalition, amid speculation that dozens of MPs from Umno would be quitting the party.
“In this struggle, we must face a critical time such as this. All this while, we have enjoyed all the benefits, and this time we must reciprocate with our loyalty to the party.
“Insha Allah, we will fight to the end and we pray to Allah so the truth is shown in the end,” he said.