Malaysia ex-PM Najib denies graft charges
Malaysia's scandal-tainted former leader yesterday denied he stole public funds and complained of the way he has been treated since he unexpectedly lost power in a stunning election defeat.
Striking a defiant tone in the face of a deepening corruption investigation, Najib Razak urged his political party to "fight on" after it was toppled in the May 9 vote by a political coalition that had focused on the allegations against him.
"I did not steal the people's money," Najib, 64, asserted during a visit to the rural home constituency he has represented for decades, where he was welcomed by crowds of supporters of his ethnic-Malay party.
"I was prepared to hand over power gracefully. But once I did that, I was not treated properly."
Najib has been barred from leaving Malaysia as the new government investigates accusations he took part in the looting of billions of dollars from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in a vast conspiracy of fraud and money-laundering.
Police last week seized what they called a huge trove of cash, jewels and luxury items from his home and other properties.
Malaysia's anti-graft agency has summoned Najib to appear before it tomorrow.
Najib's denial of wrongdoing comes despite detailed evidence that has emerged in recent years indicating that he, his family, and cronies plundered 1MDB.
These include US Department of Justice civil lawsuits seeking to seize $1.7 billion in real estate, art works and other luxuries allegedly bought with money looted from the fund.
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