Malaysian prosecutors have wrapped up their case against former Prime Minister Najib Razak in his first corruption trial after five months, paving the way for his second court case to begin.
Prosecutors said Tuesday they were resting their case against Najib after questioning 57 witnesses. The judge will hear the prosecution's closing arguments Oct. 22 and will rule on Nov. 11 whether Najib should enter his defense.
Najib faces 42 charges of corruption, abuse of power and money laundering in five separate criminal cases linked to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund after his shocking election ouster last year.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives at Kuala Lumpur High Court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Najib faces a total 42 charges of corruption, abuse of power and money laundering in five separate criminal cases brought since his shocking election defeat last year. Najib denies wrongdoing and accuses the new government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of seeking political vengeance. (AP PhotoVincent Thian)
Najib, 65, denies wrongdoing and accuses Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government of seeking political vengeance.
His second trial is due to begin Wednesday.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak waits for an elevator after arriving at Kuala Lumpur High Court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Najib faces a total 42 charges of corruption, abuse of power and money laundering in five separate criminal cases brought since his shocking election defeat last year. Najib denies wrongdoing and accuses the new government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of seeking political vengeance. (AP PhotoVincent Thian)