
PUTRAJAYA (Dec 26): MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Seri Najib Razak had time for a short discussion before the court sat on Friday to hand down its verdict on whether the former prime minister should be acquitted or found guilty of crimes pertaining to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
After Najib spoke to family members in the courtroom upon arrival, he was spotted speaking to Wee for some 10 minutes.
Wee, who arrived at 8.49am, left once proceedings began at 9.13am.
Najib faces four abuse of power charges and 21 counts of money laundering of about RM2.2 billion misappropriated from the state strategic development firm.
The trial has dragged on for nearly seven years.
Presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, now an apex court judge, is expected to deliver his decision later on Friday.
Court proceedings were put on hold around noon for Friday prayers, and Najib was sighted leaving the complex at 12.29pm.
A small crowd, numbering less than a hundred, has gathered outside the Palace of Justice in support of Najib.
Najib is currently serving a reduced six-year jail term — reduced by the Pardons Board from 12 years — after being found guilty of seven charges, including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. He also has to pay a RM50 million fine, which was reduced from RM210 million.
The Edge is covering the trial live here.
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