Najib's trial will 'liberate' UMNO

The corruption trial of Malaysia's former premier Najib Razak will help to clean up the image of the UMNO party in the eyes of the people, said newly-appointed vice president of the party, which dominated the country's politics since its independence.

"As a strong believer in our democratic institutions, I believe that this is a good chance to liberate UMNO from the constant barrage of negative speculation, especially in relation to SRC International," said Khaled Nordin in a statement yesterday.

Khaled said that UMNO would cooperate fully with authorities in order to uphold the rule of law and the principles of justice.

"We believe that the country's judicial institutions will conduct a fair trial and that we will find the answer to the predicament surrounding this issue," he added.

TI-M HAILS ANTI-GRAFT BODY

Meanwhile, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) yesterday applauded the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for its "swift and prompt action" in arresting Najib Razak.

Its president, Akhbar Satar, said the "aggressive crackdown by the MACC on the grand corruption", involving the formerPM, should serve as a lesson to other leaders.

"No one is above the rule of law and it is imperative that people with power should exercise these powers given by the people with utmost integrity and act without fear or favour."

Najib was yesterday charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of abuse of power at the High Court.  He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. His trial will take place from Feb 18 to 28 next year.