Inside Story

Is the trial of Najib Razak a political vendetta?

Malaysia’s former prime minister denies corruption connected to the 1MDB scandal.

Najib Razak was Malaysia’s prime minister until two months ago.

Now, he’s a political outcast, trying to avoid being sent to prison for 20 years.

Najib’s the first person to appear in court in connection with the 1MDB scandal and the disappearance of $4bn of taxpayer’s money.

He’s pleading not guilty and accused the new government led by Mahathir Mohamad of seeking political vengeance

What are the implications of Najib’s trial?

Presenter: Peter Dobbie

Guests:

Bridget Welsh – John Cabot University

Lee Jones – Queen Mary University of London

Ibrahim Suffian – Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research