Najib Razak speaks about the 1MDB scandal | 101 East

Summary

This transcript details an interview with former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who discusses his political downfall after losing the 2018 election and facing multiple charges of money laundering, abuse of power, and criminal breach of trust. The conversation covers Najib's defense against the allegations, including his involvement with the 1MDB scandal, accusations of kleptocracy, and lavish gifts linked to misappropriated funds. Najib also reflects on his legacy and denies involvement in high-profile murders while facing criticism for his governance and personal conduct.

Takeaways

• 😕 The Malaysian government was unexpectedly defeated in the May election after being in power for over 60 years.
• 🏦 Former Prime Minister Najib Razak is facing charges of money laundering, abuse of power, and criminal breach of trust.
• 👑 Najib Razak was born into a political dynasty and became Prime Minister in 2009, but his tenure was marred by scandal and corruption allegations.
• 💼 The 1MDB scandal involved the alleged misappropriation of 4.5 billion dollars from Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, which Najib set up.
• 🎉 Jho Low, a Malaysian entrepreneur, gained notoriety for his extravagant lifestyle funded by the 1MDB funds.
• 👜 Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor, was known for her luxurious lifestyle filled with designer items.
• 📈 Public discontent with Najib and his party led to a united opposition taking power in the 2018 general election.
• 🚓 Najib's residences were raided by the police, resulting in the confiscation of luxury goods worth 240 million dollars.
• 📖 Najib faces nearly 40 charges related to the 1MDB scandal, which is being investigated by six different countries, including the U.S. Department of Justice.
• 🤝 Najib maintains that the money he received was a donation from the Saudi Ministry of Finance and not from 1MDB.
• 💍 There are allegations that a 27 million dollar pink diamond was purchased for Najib's wife using 1MDB funds, which he denies knowledge of.

Q & A

What were the main reasons Najib Razak believes his party lost the 2018 general election?

Najib Razak believes his party lost the 2018 general election due to two main reasons: false promises made by the opposition and the 'propaganda war' against him and his party, which he describes as a vilification campaign.

How does Najib Razak respond to allegations that his government was a kleptocracy?

Najib Razak denies that his government was a kleptocracy. He argues that he returned more than $620 million, which he claims disproves the allegations against him.

What justification does Najib Razak give for the money that flowed into his personal accounts?

Najib Razak claims that the money was a direct contribution from the Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia, and he assumed it was legitimate based on assurances from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

How does Najib explain the allegations regarding the authenticity of the letter from the Saudi prince?

Najib Razak insists that he accepted the funds because of assurances from King Abdullah. He denies any knowledge of similarities between the Saudi prince's letter and a letter from a close Malaysian business associate of Jho Low.

What does Najib say about the 1MDB scandal and the involvement of international figures?

Najib acknowledges that there were issues with 1MDB but insists that the investigation should not stop with Jho Low. He believes that other international figures allegedly involved should also be questioned and held accountable.

How does Najib Razak respond to allegations about the purchase of a pink diamond pendant for his wife?

Najib claims that the pendant was a gift from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed (Shaman Zoh), but that his wife never received it. He denies knowledge that the funds came from 1MDB and argues that accepting expensive gifts is part of Middle Eastern culture.

What is Najib's explanation for his stepson's sudden wealth?

Najib claims that his stepson's wealth came from investments promised by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi, which were intended to fund his movie production ventures.

How does Najib defend his track record as Prime Minister?

Najib expresses pride in his achievements, particularly in the economic growth of Malaysia during his tenure, which he claims outpaced the growth of the 'Asian Tigers' like Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore.

What does Najib say about the ongoing investigations into the 1MDB scandal?

Najib suggests that if Jho Low or others are responsible for siphoning funds, they should be held accountable. He claims to have had no knowledge that the money he received was linked to 1MDB.

What is Najib Razak's stance on reopening high-profile murder cases linked to him?

Najib states that these cases were thoroughly investigated and decided by the highest courts in Malaysia, clearing him of any involvement. He supports the legal process and denies any wrongdoing.