Did Najib benefit most from the 1MDB scheme?

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Najib Was the Biggest Beneficiary of the 1MDB Scheme

The prosecution has argued that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should be convicted for abusing his positions within the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial, asserting that he was the primary beneficiary of the scheme. Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib contended that Najib received both financial gains and power through his involvement. While Najib maintained that the US$681 million (RM2.081 billion) deposited into his personal accounts were Saudi donations, the prosecution countered that this money originated from 1MDB.
Abuse of Position for Personal Gain

The prosecution presented evidence that Najib, in his various roles including prime minister, finance minister, and chairman of the 1MDB board of advisers, used his influence to steer decisions within the company. These actions, it is argued, directly led to funds being channelled into his personal bank accounts. The timing of these financial inflows reportedly coincided with 1MDB transactions, suggesting a direct link between his official duties and personal enrichment.
Disputed Donation Claims

Najib's defence team, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, had previously argued that the US$681 million was a donation from the late Saudi ruler King Abdullah, intended to support Najib's political campaign in the 2013 general elections. Shafee claimed King Abdullah had promised these donations in January 2010, and that the funds received in March 2013 were not late. However, the prosecution dismissed these claims as not credible, stating that Najib failed to provide authentic documentation to support his assertion of receiving donations.
Retention of Power as a Key Benefit

Beyond direct financial gains, the prosecution highlighted the retention of power and political standing as significant benefits Najib derived from the 1MDB scheme. Akram submitted that Najib's continued leadership within the country and his political party constituted a major aspect of his ultimate benefit from the entire affair. This argument posits that Najib's position and influence were maintained through the events surrounding 1MDB.
Lack of Due Diligence and Awareness

Further points raised by the prosecution included Najib's alleged lack of due diligence when receiving substantial sums into his personal accounts, an action contrary to expected conduct for a prime minister or finance minister. It was also stated that Najib was fully aware of communications involving Low Taek Jho and profited from them. The prosecution asserted the credibility of witnesses who testified against Najib in the trial.

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Did Najib benefit most from the 1MDB scheme?

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