Malaysia Reduces Former PM Najib Razak's Prison Sentence by Half in 1MDB Scandal

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has had his 12-year jail sentence for corruption reduced by the country's pardons board. Najib was convicted in 2020 for embezzling funds from Malaysia's state-owned wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The board also reduced the fine imposed on him from 210 million ringgit to 50 million ringgit. However, Najib must still pay the reduced fine in full by August 2028 to secure his release. If he fails to pay, his sentence will be extended by another year. The jailing of such a high-ranking figure in Southeast Asian politics caused significant impact in the region, where accountability is often lacking. Najib's United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has been pushing for a royal pardon after exhausting legal avenues for appeal. The 1MDB scandal involves a global network of fraud and corruption, with billions of dollars intended for public development projects ending up in private hands, including Najib's. The mastermind behind the scheme, Jho Low, is still a fugitive wanted by Malaysian authorities. The scandal has brought global attention and led to consequences such as a recent $3.9 billion settlement between US bank Goldman Sachs and the Malaysian government for its involvement in the corruption scheme.