The Intelligence from The Economist Cell-by date: Malaysia’s ex-PM is jailed
Aug 25, 2022
John Bleasdale, film critic for The Economist, discusses the recent sentencing of Malaysia's former Prime Minister Najib Razak for his role in the 1MDB scandal and its implications for the political landscape. He also delves into the legal challenges surrounding animal welfare reforms in Massachusetts, highlighting the clash between public demand for humane practices and institutional resistance. Finally, Bleasdale reviews the film 'Prey,' exploring its themes of empowerment and cultural identity, showcasing a fresh approach to sci-fi narratives.
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Najib Razak Jailed
- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was recently jailed for corruption.
- This follows a 2020 conviction related to the 1MDB scandal, involving billions of dollars going missing.
Misappropriated Funds
- Najib Razak's conviction involves a $4.5 billion misappropriation from Malaysian public funds, exceeding many governments' annual revenue.
- Some funds financed artwork, a superyacht, jewelry, and even the film "The Wolf of Wall Street."
Defense Dismissed
- Najib Razak claimed the money in his account was a gift from the Saudi royal family, which is not illegal in Malaysia.
- However, the court dismissed this defense, citing "willful blindness" to the money's origins.
