Malaysia corruption

Jasmine Loo, a former lawyer for the ill-fated state investment fund, is a close associate of Jho Taek Low, the alleged ringleader of the 1MDB scandal.

The confirmation, which follows the return of another 1MDB suspect from Macau, is unlikely to result in the fugitive financier's extradition.

The Federal Court rejected Prime Minister Najib Razak's request, with a judge describing him as "the author of his own misfortunes."

The besieged leader has described the charges as a form of “organized political persecution” designed to hobble his party at state elections later this year.

The case is likely to raise the political temperature ahead of a string of important state elections later this year.

The High Court ruling would appear to undermine the claim of the former leader's supporters that the cases against him are politically motivated.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating $70.7 million that was found in the accounts of the political party Bersatu.

Lawyers for Najib Razak have filed a petition with the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, claiming "rushed justice."

Najib Razak's campaign for a royal pardon will provide a compelling political B-plot in the run-up to the country's next general election.

Rosmah Mansor, 70, was accused of soliciting and receiving bribes in order to facilitate a contract to provide solar panels for schools in Borneo.

After decades of subordination to politicians, the conviction of Najib Razak on corruption charges was a powerful assertion of independence by the country's judiciary.

Najib Razak's best hope of an early release is to mobilize his base and generate public pressure for the king to intervene.