Malaysia drops Najib-era graft cases spearheaded by Mahathir
These moves, as well as upcoming verdicts on charges against Najib himself, will influence how the international community views Malaysia’s willingness to prosecute corruption at a time when the government seeks to boost inflows of foreign direct investment.
(Nikkei Asian Review) – As Malaysia awaits a verdict in the corruption trial of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, the judiciary has dropped graft cases against prominent figures tied to his party.
A power struggle is playing out between former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and the incumbent, Muhyiddin Yassin, who is seen as close to the Najib faction. With the cases spearheaded by Mahathir having been withdrawn, some have raised concerns that the country may be heading back to an era tainted by corruption.
Prosecutors on June 9 announced the withdrawal of all charges against Musa Aman, former chief minister of the eastern state of Sabah, citing a lack of evidence. Musa had faced nearly four dozen charges including corruption and money laundering related to timber concessions in the state.
Last month, a court dismissed the case against Riza Aziz, stepson of former leader Najib and a central figure in the scandal surrounding the sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB. Riza was accused of laundering $248 million from the fund, but the charges were dropped under an agreement requiring him to return more assets.
