PUTRAJAYA - Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak says he remains steadfast in pursuing his legal rights, stressing that his struggle is driven by principle rather than vengeance and is aimed at upholding justice and the rule of law.
He said this in a letter that was read out by his lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah after the High Court sentenced him to 15 years' jail and imposed a total fine of RM11.4 billion after finding him guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in funds linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
"I write this with a calm mind despite a heavy heart.
"There are times when I feel as though this struggle must be borne by me alone,” Shafee said, reading out the letter in a press conference after the proceedings.
In the letter, Najib also expressed confidence in the country’s judicial process regardless of the outcome.
"Whatever the decision today, I remain confident in the country’s judicial process," he said.
At the same time, Najib urged Malaysians to remain calm and rational, warning against provocation that could disrupt public harmony or undermine the legal process.
He added that differing views should be expressed in a mature and lawful manner and encouraged the public to consider the broader implications of the case.
Najib emphasised that his fight was not an attempt to evade responsibility but an effort to defend constitutional integrity and ensure that the law is applied without fear or favour.
"What I seek is merely the rights provided for by law and all that has been duly consented to" he said, adding that his intention has always been to contribute to national development and the well-being of the people.
"I will continue to pursue my rights through lawful channels with dignity and patience, even though the path is lonely and demands great sacrifice," he said in his letter.
The verdict today was handed down by judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who previously presided over the 1MDB trial at the High Court. He has since been elevated to the Federal Court.
For the four charges of abuse of power, the court sentenced Najib to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count and imposed a total fine of RM11.4 billion, in default 40 years’ imprisonment.
Najib was also sentenced to five years’ jail on each of the 21 money laundering charges and no fine was imposed.
The 72-year-old former prime minister will serve only 15 years in prison, as the judge ordered all jail sentences to run concurrently.
The judge also ruled that the sentence will only take effect after Najib completes his six-year prison term in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case involving the misappropriation of RM42 million, which ends on Aug 23, 2028.
Sequerah meted out the sentence after taking into consideration the mitigating factors presented by the defence, the prosecution and the accused, as well as public interest.
Today's proceedings started at 9.15am and concluded at 9pm, spanning a total of 11 hours and 45 minutes after a full day of submissions, arguments and deliberations in court.
Najib, who was clad in a blue suit, appeared calm throughout the proceedings. His family members and supporters were also present in court.