Three Former Malaysian PMs Appear in Court on Same Day

In a rare moment in Malaysian political history, three former PMs - Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob were all at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on Thursday (Aug 27), each for separate legal proceedings.

Ismail Sabri, 66, was charged with failing to declare assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which involved RM14.7 million in cash, millions in several foreign currencies and gold. He was granted RM300,000 bail.

Najib, meanwhile, was in the High Court for the continuation of a US$5.64 billion civil suit brought by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and its subsidiary.

The suit alleges, among other things, breach of trust, abuse of power and conspiracy to misappropriate 1MDB funds.

Muhyiddin was also at the High Court as his Jana Wibawa trial continued.

He faces four charges of abusing his position to obtain RM232.5 million in gratification for Bersatu and three money laundering charges involving RM200 million.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The simultaneous appearance of three former premiers at the same court complex was described by veteran court reporters as unprecedented in Malaysia, with journalists gathering at Jalan Duta from as early as 7am to cover the separate proceedings.