30 October 2024

30/10/2024 56 min
30 October 2024

Listen "30 October 2024"

Episode Synopsis

On Today Show
> Iswardy Morni, Malaysian Political Analyst – High Court's Verdict: Najib Razak Must Answer for 1MDB Scandal as Defense Begins
> Jeffrey Ngui from MUDA Sarawak – Sarawak’s Billion-Ringgit Revenue vs. Rural Development Gaps
> Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist – Drafting Malaysia's Climate Future: National Climate Change Bill Opens for Public Feedback

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Iswardy Morni, Penganalisis Politik Malaysia – Keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi: Najib Razak Perlu Menjawab Skandal 1MDB Semasa Pembelaan Bermula
> Jeffrey Ngui dari MUDA Sarawak – Hasil Berbilion Ringgit Sarawak vs. Jurang Pembangunan Luar Bandar
> Barnie Lasimbang, Pengasas Tonibung, aktivis alam sekitar – Merangka Masa Depan Iklim Malaysia: Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara Dibuka untuk Maklum Balas Awam

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Iswardy Morni, Malaysian Political Analyst.
*High Court's Verdict: Najib Razak Must Answer for 1MDB Scandal as Defense Begins*
Today the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib Razak to defend himself - on all 25 charges he faced. That is 21 charges of money laundering and 4 charges of misuse of power involving funds of 1mdb rm2.3 billion. The court ruled that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case after calling 50 witnesses and the trial lasted for five years. Iswardy explained that the prosecution succeeded in showing the close relationship between Najib and Jho Low, the testimony of the witnesses was consistent and the witnesses had no motive to trap Najib who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Najib's main lawyer - Mohammad Shafie Abdullah said - for now his side seems to be a total loser, not even 1 point was given to us. This is an extraordinary history throughout my time as a brilliant lawyer. Iswardy emphasized that- this is not a matter of a brilliant lawyer or not. It is closely related to the facts of the case. The money goes into Najib's account. Najib admitted that it was his account, but he said that he did not know it was 1mdb money. Najib claimed that the money was a donation from the Arab King. Iswardy said that illegal funds going into the account and used for personal purposes is anoffence. Because the chronology of the trial is simple and because the facts of the case are clear, it is easy for the judge to make a decision. Asked why Anwar easily forgives Najib and is this PM Anwar's effort to strengthen UmNo which will also help PH win in the next General Election?. Iswardy thought that was too far. Anwar forgave Najib because he admitted his guilt. Anwar did not absolve Najib of all the charges and crimes he committed. According to Iswardy, if Najib is convicted of several more cases that will be tried. The total cumulative sentence that will be imposed on Najib may be hundreds of years. At that time, Najib was too old to be in politics. The judge set December 2, 2024 for the defense phase hearing.

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