Malaysia ex-PM Najib defends asking for $24M property gift
ABC News
A surprising disclosure in Malaysian Parliament that former Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked to be given a house and land estimated to be worth $24 million despite his graft conviction has sparked fierce reactions
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- A surprising disclosure in Malaysian Parliament that former Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked to be given a house and land estimated to be worth 100 million ringgit ($24 million) despite his graft conviction has sparked fierce reactions.
The matter was raised by ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who questioned if it was true the government will approve Najib's request as a reward for his tenure. Najib took office in 2009, but was ousted in 2018 general elections following public outcry over a massive corruption scandal involving the 1MDB state fund.
Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz confirmed Najib's application but didn't give further details. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob hasn't commented on the issue.
Najib defended his request, saying it was his right as the country’s former leader.
