SHAH ALAM - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his support for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the case involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Zahid said his support for Najib was not intended to challenge the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision, which has made prima facie finding and called for the former leader to defend himself.
"With full respect for the rule of law, this decision does not confirm that he has been proven guilty.
"Rather, it provides Najib with the space and opportunity to defend himself and prove his innocence,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Previously, Najib's defence proceedings concerning four charges of abuse of power involving nearly RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 money laundering charges related to the same amount were scheduled to take place over 97 days starting Dec 2.
Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah set the trial dates through the end of 2025, after directing the former prime minister to defend himself against the 25 charges.
Meanwhile, Zahid said that he was representing Umno, Barisan Nasional (BN) and a friend, expressing confidence that Najib is on the right side.
"We will continue to support him to ensure he receives justice.
"We will also always pray that those truly responsible for the 1MDB scandal are brought to justice and may Najib receive the justice he deserves,” he added.