Trial against ex-Malaysian PM Najib resumes, stepson might turn witness

Kuala Lumpur: The trial against former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak resumed on Tuesday as the prosecution indicated his stepson Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz could be a witness to give evidence in relation to state investment fund 1Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).

Lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that Riza had indicated his readiness to give evidence for the prosecution and the prosecution list may have to be altered to include him.

Najib faced multiple charges related to 1MDB on abuse of power and money laundering. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The latest development comes after Riza was discharged without an acquittal last week on money laundering charges after the prosecution told the court that an agreement had been reached with the government to receive several million ringgit as part of the settlement.

The decision sparked a war of words involving the country’s current Attorney-General Idrus Harun, his predecessor Tommy Thomas who resigned in February as well as the country’s anti-corruption body, as Thomas denied that it was his decision to discharge Riza.