Malaysia’s High Court shut down former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s latest legal effort on Monday, ruling he must remain in prison amid the ongoing fallout from the $4.5 billion 1MDB scandal. The decision dashes hopes for house arrest and sets the stage for a critical trial verdict this Friday. 💼⚖️
Najib, who’s been behind bars since August 2022 for embezzling 1MDB funds, claimed a royal order issued last year allowed him to serve his sentence at home. But Judge Alice Loke said the document was invalid because the former king didn’t consult Malaysia’s pardons board—a procedural misstep that left Najib’s legal team empty-handed. 📜🚫
The ruling comes just days before another court delivers its judgment on Najib’s role in the sprawling financial fraud, which involved luxury yachts, Hollywood films, and high-profile parties. The ex-PM has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated. 🎥💸
With public interest soaring ahead of Friday’s verdict, analysts say the case highlights Malaysia’s ongoing battle against corruption—and serves as a cautionary tale for leaders worldwide. 🌏🔍
