Former Malaysian PM Najib takes stand in 1MDB scandal-linked trial

13 Sept 14:57 Key points summarised by AI

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak testified for the first time to defend himself against criminal charges linked to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal, specifically regarding 42 million ringgit ($10 million) from SRC International.
Najib pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and abuse of power, with his defense team asserting he had no reason to believe the funds were from illegal activities.
He detailed the establishment of 1MDB and how fugitive financier Jho Low, central to the scandal, became associated with the fund by portraying himself as an influential figure in the Middle East.
Najib faces dozens of additional graft and money laundering charges over allegations he received about $1 billion in 1MDB funds, all of which he denies, with potential for hefty fines and lengthy jail terms if convicted.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Yesterday 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.