Riza is the stepson of former prime minister Najib Razak.

Judicial commissioner Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan will preside over the trial after taking over the case from Justice Amarjeet Singh.

The suit was brought by 1MDB and its subsidiaries against Riza and his production companies, including Red Granite, alleging that they had wrongfully received and misused the money for their personal benefit, including to fund movie productions and purchase real estate.

They also contended that Riza, as the companies’ owner, knew that the money, which originated from 1MDB, had been misappropriated.

In his defence, Riza, who produced the hit movie “Wolf of Wall Street” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, claimed the funds were a loan from the Saudi royal family or International Petroleum Investment Company, and not from 1MDB.

He further said it was hard for an unknown film producer to obtain loans from banks, which compelled him to seek funds from individuals or companies.