Najib, who was indicted for his role in embezzling billions of dollars from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, lost his appeal against his jail sentence on Monday. Malaysia’s highest court upheld the 12-year prison sentence, which began at Kajang Prison, south of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday. “I think this is a good start. And it is reforming and maturing Malaysia as a vibrant democracy with strong institutions,” Anwar told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Tuesday. “Political leaders, political elites who continue to walk around without [sic] unpunished, they think they are invincible and above the law, [but] Now, the message is very clear,” he said. “Credit must be given to the ‘rakyat’ [the people]which he decided, and therefore we must continue.” rort refers to a fraudulent or dishonest act or scheme. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives at the Federal Court in Putrajaya on August 15, 2022. The country’s highest court upheld his sentence of 12 years in prison, which began at Kajang Prison, south of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday. Mohd Rasfan | Afp | Getty Images He urged Malaysians to vote for “corrupt” leaders when they next go to the polls. Malaysia must call an election by September 2023. Najib has been at the center of the scandal – which has been dubbed the world’s biggest kleptocracy case – along with the fraud’s alleged mastermind, Malaysian businessman Joe Low, and Goldman Sachs bankers. About $700 million was reportedly transferred to Najib’s accounts, and losses from 1MDB were said to exceed $4 billion. Najib continues to deny any wrongdoing. Anwar himself was at the center of various political conflicts. He was the country’s deputy prime minister in the 1990s and was controversially dismissed by then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before being jailed for sodomy and corruption. His conviction was overturned and he was released in 2004. He was jailed again for sodomy in 2014 before receiving a royal pardon in 2018 and being released. Anwar said Najib would have better prison conditions than he had in the 1990s, when he was denied books or family visits, but prison would be tough on the former prime minister, the first in the country to be jailed. “From what I understand from my old colleagues, the correctional officers, he will be given somewhat better treatment, he will be given some facilities,” he told CNBC. “But still, prison is not a bed of roses, it is harsh, especially compared to his current lifestyle in a seven-star hotel, you will have to experience something difficult and harsh.” Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor were accused of living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of 1MDB. Court hearings revealed they spent thousands of dollars on expensive hotels and jewelry. Any attempts by Najib to challenge his sentence through further reviews will be difficult, Anwar said, referring to his own failed attempts in the past. Najib may also try to curry favor with the Malaysian king, but given the financial weight of the 1MDB scandal, it may be a difficult road, Anwar added. It is important that Malaysian authorities continue to pursue justice in this scandal, including recovering the funds stolen from the public treasury, Anwar said, when asked if others in the case, such as businessman Low and Najib’s wife Rosmah, they should also face justice. In 2018, Malaysian police raided Najib and Rosmah’s homes as part of the 1MDB investigation and discovered 284 boxes containing luxury handbags and 72 bags filled with jewellery, cash, watches and other valuables. Anwar also said it was unlikely that Najib would be able to rally support or influence the outcome of the next election from behind bars. So far, those who have supported him – as seen in court on Monday – during his court appearance have mostly been from his own constituencies, Anwar said.
