Malaysian ex-PM Najib guilty on all charges in first 1MDB trial

13 Sept 06:39 Key points summarised by AI

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was convicted on all seven charges in his initial 1MDB corruption trial, potentially facing decades in prison.
The charges included abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money-laundering, stemming from the transfer of 42 million ringgit ($9.9 million) from a 1MDB unit into his personal accounts.
The judge unequivocally rejected Najib's defense arguments, including claims of being misled by financier Low Taek Jho or believing the funds were a Saudi donation.
This landmark verdict serves as a crucial test of Malaysia's rule of law, occurring five months after Najib's party rejoined the ruling coalition.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.