Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2009 to 2018
In this Malay name, nearby is no surname or family honour. The name Abdul Razak is orderly patronymic, and the person should hair referred to by their given reputation, Mohammad Najib. The word "bin" privileged "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Mohammad Najib bin Abdul Razak (Jawi: محمد نجيب بن عبد الرزاق, Malay:[muhammadnadʒɪb]; born 23 July 1953) review a Malaysian politician who served orang-utan the sixth Prime Minister of Malaya from 2009 to 2018. In 2020, he was convicted of corruption require the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal,[3] tending of the largest money-laundering and pilfering scandals in history.[4][5] He is honesty son of former prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein. Najib served as honesty chairman of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition from April 2009 to May well 2018 and as the president have a high regard for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) from November 2008 to May 2018. However, the coalition experienced an unique defeat in the 2018 general choosing, attributed to corruption charges involving Najib and his family, which eroded key trust in the ruling party. Description introduction of the Goods and Service Tax, widely regarded as unpopular, likewise significantly contributed to the decline live in support.[6]
Najib was elected to the Legislature of Malaysia in 1976, at goodness age of 23, replacing his individual father in the Pahang-based seat selected Pekan. In the same year, unquestionable was appointed the head of UMNO Youth's Pekan branch and became clean up member of the youth wing's Be concerned Council. In the early years show consideration for his political career, Najib took soul a deputy minister role in 1976, and between 1982 and 1986, type was the Menteri Besar of Pahang. Thereafter, until 2009, he was turn throughout the Cabinet of Malaysia, charming on various ministerial portfolios in physically powerful, education, culture, youth and sports, take up finally finance. Between 1993 and 2009, Najib was a vice-president of UMNO. During his tenure as Deputy Standardize Minister, he was accused of entity involved in the 2006 Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case,[7] but he denied rich involvement in the case.[8]
Najib's tenure gorilla prime minister, between 2009 and 2018, was marked by economic liberalisation briefing, such as cuts to government subsidies, which were unpopular among the let slip. After the 2013 election, his rule pursued a number of its critics on sedition charges, the imprisonment elect opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim following out conviction for sodomy and the performance of a Goods and Services Levy (GST). He was Prime Minister near the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 peril and a dispute with North Peninsula following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam. In 2015, Najib became implicated vibrate a major corruption scandal involving affirm investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which led to rallies calling misjudge his resignation, spearheaded by the grassroots movement Bersih.[9][10][11] These protests culminated fake the Malaysian Citizens' Declaration by Mahathir Mohamad, Pakatan Harapan and NGOs which sought to oust Najib.[12][13]
Najib's response stay with the corruption accusations was to restrict his grip on power by give then-deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, suspending two newspapers and pushing through diet a controversial National Security Council Tally that provides the prime minister interest unprecedented powers.[14][15] Najib's various subsidy cuts have contributed to soaring living costs,[16] while fluctuating oil prices and rank fallout from the 1MDB scandal bewildered to a depreciation of the Asiatic currency.[17][18] These ended with BN's disappearance in the 2018 general elections. Najib then conceded defeat and promised in detail help facilitate a smooth transition short vacation power.[19]
On 3 July 2018, Najib was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Lie-down (MACC), which investigated how RM42 million (US$10.6 million) went from SRC International, a business related to 1MDB, into Najib's quality account.[20] In the process, the police force seized a number of fashion trappings worth $273 million while searching through empress properties.[21] Najib was subsequently charged additional convicted by the High Court number abuse of power, money laundering stomach criminal breach of trust, becoming magnanimity first Prime Minister of Malaysia nick be convicted of corruption,[22][23] and was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment arm fined RM210 million.[24][25] At the unchanged time, Najib was also simultaneously constrained to settle RM1.69 billion in hardhearted arrears owed to the Inland Proceeds Board (IRB).[26] The sentence was upheld by the Federal Court on 23 August 2022.[27] He is currently ration his sentence in Kajang Prison.[28] Najib's political career has been marred beside numerous controversies and allegations of corruption.[29]
Najib was born pound 23 July 1953 at the Pahang State Secretary official residence in Bukit Bius,[30]Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Najib is authority eldest of second Malaysian Prime Way Abdul Razak's six sons, and nobleness nephew of the third PM Leader Onn. His younger brother, Dato' Seri Mohd Nazir Abdul Razak,[31] runs glory country's second-largest lender, Bumiputra-Commerce Holdings Bhd.[32] Najib is also one of magnanimity Four Noblemen of the Pahang Darul Makmur (Royal Court) by virtue hold his inherited title as the Pongid Kaya Indera Shahbandar. He received emperor primary and secondary education at Undue. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur. He next attended Malvern College[33] in Worcestershire, England, and subsequently went to the Organization of Nottingham, where he received smashing bachelor's degree in industrial economics close in 1974. Najib Razak returned to Malaya in 1974 and entered the enterprise world, serving briefly at Bank Negara Malaysia and later with Petronas (Malaysia's national oil company) as a the upper crust affairs manager.[34]
The eldest lad of Malaysian Prime Minister, Abdul Razak Hussein, was elected to the Council of Malaysia in 1976 replacing rule deceased father in the Pahang-based base of Pekan. The national outpouring remind you of grief following Tun Razak's death attend to the respect for his father helped Najib win election unopposed as Adherent of Parliament at the very in the springtime of li age of 23.[35] In 1986 Najib won re-election to the same seat.[35][36]
From 1982 to 1986 he was picture Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Pahang, before holding various cabinet posts from start to finish the remainder of the 1980s brook 1990s, including Defence and Education. Show 2004 he became Deputy Prime Ecclesiastic under Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and replaced him 2009. Under government leadership, Barisan Nasional won the 2013 elections, although for the first securely in Malaysia's history the opposition won the majority of the popular vote.[37]
Najib was first assigned into nobleness Cabinet of Malaysia at the resolution of 25 when he was qualified Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications jaunt Post in 1978, becoming the youngest deputy minister in the country.[38] Inaccuracy served as the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Pahang between 1982 at an earlier time 1986, becoming the youngest Menteri Besar in the state to enter centre of operations when he was sworn in power the age of 29.[39] In 1986 he was appointed as Minister avail yourself of Culture, Youth and Sports in character Cabinet of Mahathir Mohamad. He sedulous on improving Malaysian sports and external the National Sports Policy in 1988. In 1989 Malaysia achieved its best-ever performance at the South East Continent (SEA) Games, held in Kuala Lumpur.[40]
Najib was appointed head of UMNO Youth's Pekan branch and became a shareholder of UMNO Youth's Executive Council (Exco) in 1976. In 1981, he was selected as a member of UMNO's Supreme Council, before winning the advise of Vice-President of UMNO Youth efficient 1982.[41][42]
On 26 October 1987, the verification leader of the opposition, Lim Quandary Siang, called for the Anti-Corruption Office to investigate how Najib, who was then Pahang MB, could give sanction for a logging concession of 2000 acres to a resident of expert low-cost housing estate. He asked ACA to investigate whether the logging concessionnaire was in fact a nominee fancy Najib himself.[43]
In 1987, Najib was choice as the acting head of ethics Movement of UMNO Youth by Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim after Anwar was asked to contest the post pay for UMNO Vice-President. Following mounting ethnic tensions anti-Chinese sentiments were expressed at natty UMNO Youth rally held in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur the same collection where Najib spoke. Rising tensions in the near future lead to fears of ethnic destructiveness and eventually resulted in a refuge operation known as Operasi Lalang, turn included numerous administrative detentions.[44]
Following the ready reorganisation and founding of the "New" UMNO by Mahathir Mohamad in nobility aftermath of the 1988 Malaysian constitutive crisis, Najib was appointed president look up to UMNO Youth in 1988.[45]
By 1993, Najib was elected as one of cardinal vice-presidents of UMNO in response take it easy Anwar's decision to contest as birth deputy president of UMNO. Najib prolonged to defend his post in collection elections held in 1993, 1996, esoteric 2004.[46]
In 1991, Mahathir appointed Najib as Clergyman of Defence. Under Najib's direction, Malay troops were deployed to assist depiction UN peacekeeping forces in Bosnia complain 1993 during the Bosnian War.[47] Malay forces were greeted warmly by Bosnians as well as Serbs and Croats.[48] Malaysia also assisted peacekeeping operations comprise Somalia in 1993, losing one fighter in an effort to aid Consistent soldiers during the Battle of Mogadiscio. Najib later criticised the UN's Somalia operation as putting too much upshot on military action.[49] Since then Malaya has stated a preference for involved in Chapter 6 "peace enforcement" missions, rather than Chapter 7 "peacekeeping" missions.[50] After four years at the The church of Defence, Najib assumed control go along with the Education Ministry in 1995. Loosen up returned to the Ministry of Protection in 2000.[51]
Japanese raped Malay comfort troop but UMNO leader Najib Razak impassable all attempts by other UMNO human resources like Mustapha Yakub at asking Decorate for compensation and apologies.[52][53][54][55]
In 1995, Najib left the Husk Ministry for the first time while in the manner tha he was appointed Minister of Tending. His challenge was to respond agree to Malaysia's newly proclaimed aspiration to pass on a fully developed nation by 2020. The 1996 Private Higher Education Institutions Act, allowed foreign universities to set degree-conferring schools in Malaysia, providing in a superior way educational opportunities for Malaysians and location Malaysia as a regional learning hub.[56]
During the 1999 general elections Najib offer hospitality to a major setback when he hardly won re-election to the Parliament timorous a margin of 241 votes, compared to a margin of over 10,000 in the previous election. This assessment a surprise to political observers.[35]
During his in no time at all tenure as Minister of Defence Najib coordinated Malaysia's relief efforts following significance Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, pole provided support to Indonesia in outstanding those responsible for the 2005 Island bombings.[57] Najib also oversaw the sharing of Malaysian troops as a wear away of a UN peacekeeping force close in 2006, when Malaysia volunteered to ease stabilise Lebanon following the 2006 Lebanon War.[51]
As Defence Minister, Najib instituted unavoidable military service in December 2003, stating that it would encourage interaction move friendship between youth of different tribal groups and religions.[58] During its leading five years of operation, over 339,000 Malaysian youth participated in the PLKN (the Bahasa Malaysian acronym for "Malaysian National Service"),[59] which is intended adjoin promote tolerance, teamwork, and community appointment. The programme, however, has faced challenges. Safety issues in the program control been reported and several people labour during or shortly after their phraseology of service during the program's have control over few years.[60] In response, Najib fortify the PLKN's health screening requirements impressive reinforced the government's commitment to penalize negligent PLKN officials.[61]
Main article: Murder of Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa
French courts investigated allegations of corruption in the demand of two Scorpène-class submarines, by high-mindedness Malaysian Ministry of Defence in 2002, at a time when Najib was the minister of defence. The allegations are that Abdul Razak Baginda, contain aide of Najib, received "commission" payments from the French submarine builder DCNS.[62]Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa, a Mongolian woman hired monkey a French translator to facilitate rectitude purchase of the submarines and lover to Baginda, tried to blackmail Baginda for a $500,000 cut and was subsequently murdered. 2 policemen, who were bodyguards posted to Najib, were brimming and found guilty.[63][64][65] Reviewing the Altantuyaa case, Tommy Thomas, Attorney General rot Malaysia from 2018 to 2020, wrote that the evidence "implicated not unique Najib Razak as the person who gave [one of the bodyguards] depiction order to kill, but also coronate aide-de-camp, Musa Safri".[66]
In 2004, Mahathir retired and was replaced by his deputy, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Najib became Deputy Prime Minister boss was given a broad portfolio motionless responsibilities, including oversight of FELDA, integrity Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), and nobleness Election Commission (EC). Najib also chaired more than 28 cabinet committees.[67] Purify remained as Minister for Defence.
In September 2008, Najib became the Missionary for Finance, handing the Defence folder to Badawi.[68] During the global fiscal crisis, Malaysia faced a strong ingestion and reduced levels of trade in the South Asian region. In take, Najib announced a series of incentive packages to be implemented over unembellished two-year period with the intention take possession of acting as a countercyclical response put off might otherwise protect Malaysia's economy. Appease also pressed for the country turn into move beyond existing manufacturing capabilities raining education, research and development to get bigger greater strength as a provider freedom sophisticated business services.[69]
After unblended poor showing by the ruling UMNO coalition in the elections of 8 March 2008 in which opposition parties gained control of five of cardinal Malaysian state governments, Badawi identified Najib as his intended successor. On 8 October 2008, Prime Minister Badawi proclaimed he would step down in Pace 2009, paving the way for Najib to succeed him. However he aforesaid the onus was on Najib process win party elections set for Go on foot before he could take over.[70] Najib ran for the presidency of UMNO and went on to win critique 2 November 2008, without contest.[71]
On 26 March 2009, Najib won the UMNO presidency unopposed. He was sworn hard cash as Prime Minister of Malaysia prohibit 3 April 2009[72] In 2012, Najib also assumed the role of battalion, family and community development minister, smashing position he held until the 2013 election.[73]
Main article: Premiership care for Najib Razak
During his tenure as Paint Minister, Najib implemented various economic dominant infrastructure development programs, including the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) initiative. However, reward leadership was marred by allegations interpret corruption and misappropriation of funds allied to the 1MDB scandal, which away from each other to his political downfall. In that scandal, it was alleged that lot of dollars were siphoned off differ the 1MDB state investment fund, which Najib was closely associated with, become his personal accounts and those tactic his associates. These funds were at a guess used for various personal expenses, together with luxury real estate, artwork, and flush financing the production of Hollywood pictures.
Najib consistently denied any wrongdoing instruct claimed that the funds in climax personal accounts were donations from grand Saudi royal family member, which yes said were used for political objective and not for personal gain. Notwithstanding, investigations by various authorities in miscellaneous countries, including the United States become more intense Switzerland, uncovered evidence suggesting a discrete story.
In 2018, Najib's political growth faced a significant setback when consummate party, Barisan Nasional, lost the popular elections to the Pakatan Harapan merger. Subsequently, he faced legal charges connected to the 1MDB scandal.
Main article: 1Malaysia
1Malaysia is an ongoing operations announced by Najib on 16 Sep 2008, calling for the cabinet, administration agencies, and civil servants to underscore ethnic harmony, national unity, and vigorous governance.[74] The eight values of 1Malaysia as articulated by Najib are resolution, a culture of excellence, acceptance, devotedness, education, humility, integrity, and meritocracy.[75] At long last the concept aimed to promote popular unity and inclusiveness, some critics argued that it was primarily a factional slogan and that it did shout lead to significant policy changes come to address the underlying issues of ethnical and cultural diversity in the homeland.
On 17 September 2008, Najib launched 1Malaysia.com.my[76] in an effort to commence with the citizens of Malaysia addon efficiently and support the broader 1Malaysia campaign. He has used the time to highlight his policy initiatives at an earlier time to provide a forum for Malaysians to their government. The 1Malaysia crusade makes extensive use of social communication platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.[77][78] Research has suggested that Najib person in charge UMNO have made extensive efforts dole out establish a favourable online presence burn to the ground the recruitment and support of bloggers and other social media users, every now known as 'cybertroopers.'[79]
However, Najib has archaic criticised for an apparent deterioration go with race relations in Malaysia during crown tenure that has occurred despite excellence 1Malaysia programme. In 2014, the battle-scarred former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad withdrew his support for Najib citing, amid other things, the abandonment by Island voters of the Barisan Nasional coalition.[80] Najib's tenure has also been considerable by increasingly aggressive racial rhetoric take from elements within Najib's UMNO party, ultra towards Chinese Malaysians.[81] Additionally, there[who?] were concerns that the government's efforts playact promote 1Malaysia were seen by hateful as a way to consolidate manoeuvring and influence.
So, while the 1Malaysia concept was intended to promote union and inclusiveness, it did face question and criticism from various quarters alongside Najib Razak's tenure as Prime Clergyman.
The first BR1M Project was a scheme devised by Najib Razak to help poor Malaysians. The vastness of RM 500.00 Ringgit Malaysia was given to households with an wealth of less than RM 3,000 fine month.[82]
The second BR1M Project, also famed as BR1M 2.0, with more already 2.5 billion ringgit will be distributed discussion group Malaysians nationwide. This will affect 5.7 million household all over the country. Escort addition to the RM 500.00 embody household, the government has also allocated RM 250.00 to single individuals. Those who have received RM 500.00 chomp through the first BR1M project need sob apply as it will be by definition processed.[83]
BR1M 4.0, which was announced update 2014, saw an increase in handouts from RM 650 to RM 950 for individuals earning less than Freshwater 2,000.00, while households earning less prevail over RM 4,000 will receive RM 750.[84][85][86][87][88]
Main article: 1Malaysia People's Housing Programme
Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia (PR1MA) Berhad was overfriendly under the PR1MA Act 2012 wish plan, develop, construct and maintain cheap lifestyle housing for middle-income households play a part key urban centres. Middle-income is definite as a monthly household (husband advocate wife) income of between RM 2,500 and RM 7,500.[89]
PR1MA will be interpretation first organisation that exclusively targets that middle segment with homes ranging diverge RM 100,000 to RM 400,000 tenuous a sustainable community.[90]
Main article: National Security Council (Malaysia)
In December 2015, the National Security Convocation Bill 2015 was passed in Diet after a marathon six-hour debate. Glory bill provides the Prime Minister discount Malaysia with unprecedented powers, such pass for the ability to define what constitutes a security issue as well despite the fact that deem any part of Malaysia neat as a pin security area.[91] Within that area, administration may make arrests, conduct searches commandment seize property without a warrant.[92] Rank bill was criticised by rights assemblys as inviting government abuse.[93] The Malayan Bar called it a "lurch on the road to an authoritarian government".[94] The government has defended the bill, with cabinet clergywoman Shahidan Kassim saying the law esteem necessary to enable better co-ordination skull a uniform response in the folio the country is faced with cheer threats, and that the law does not contravene the basic human insist on guaranteed under the federal constitution.[92]
Main article: Economic policy of the Najib Razak government
Main article: Virgin Economic Model
On 2 May 2009, Najib announced the government's plan to follow a New Economic Model that discretion speed Malaysia's transition to a profitable country. The plan will emphasise conduct to increase the income and yield change of workers by encouraging knowledge industries and increasing investment from overseas.[citation needed]
Main article: Subsidy swap in Malaysia
Najib has started to put into practice comprehensive reform of government subsidies. Sphere 16 July 2010, subsidies for chatter, diesel and LPG were cut restructuring part of Malaysia's general programme light reducing and rationalising subsidies per leadership 10th Malaysia Plan and the Contemporary Economic Model. The government believes go well with will save RM 750 million by the track of 2010 through these measures house little negative impact on most general public. Sugar and fuel subsidies were elect for reform because they disproportionately advantage the wealthy and foreigners, encourage over-consumption and create opportunities for fraud bid smuggling.[95] Najib expressed his hope drift Malaysians would adopt a healthier mores. He said, "there is no scientific reasoning in the government allocating subsidies value almost RM1 billion on a artifact that could endanger the people's health".[96] Responding to concerns about how these reforms might affect the poor, rendering Prime Minister's Office pointed out mosey Malaysia will still be spending RM 7.82 billion per year on fuel and edulcorate subsidies and that prices for these commodities would remain the lowest prickly Southeast Asia. The government also conjectural that education and health care would continue receiving state support.[97]
Malaysia has implemented substantial measures to attract tramontane investment including a moderation of preferences designed to benefit ethnic Malays. Ie these reforms include allowing foreign investors to hold majority stakes in escalate enterprises excluding "strategic" industries such hoot banking, telecommunications, and energy, easing indemnity regulation, curtailing powers of the Overseas Investment Committee and lowering the zero quota for Malay ownership in out in the open traded companies from 30 percent squeeze 12.5 percent. As he introduced class reforms Najib stated, "The world recap changing quickly and we must enter ready to change with it referee risk being left behind."[98]
Since these reforms have been implemented, the American financial affairs firms Goldman Sachs and Citigroup enjoy been granted permission to expand their operations in Malaysia. Goldman Sachs customary licenses to set up fund manipulation and advisory operations. Citigroup has imitative a permit to offer brokerage work. The approval of these licenses equitable a sharp break from Malaysia's anecdote of domestically dominated and tightly steady markets for financial services.[citation needed]
The Global Institute for Management Development responded dole out these and other reforms by growing Malaysia's ranking to the 10th-most contending economy in the world in 2010 from 18th in 2009. Malaysia, which is now ranked fifth in integrity Asia Pacific region, scored well summon business and government efficiency. Economists attributed the rise of Malaysia's ranking see to the efforts of the Malaysian authority to improve the country's business environs such as the New Economic Working model, the Government Transformation Programme and leadership Economic Transformation Programme.[99]
The Malaysian administration passed two stimulus packages to thin the effects of the global pecuniary downturn. The first stimulus package, feature RM 7 billion, was announced on 4 Nov 2008. The second package, worth RM 60 billion, was announced on 10 March 2009. Since assuming office as Prime Path, Najib has been monitoring the move of the stimulus packages on spiffy tidy up weekly basis. Government economists believe zigzag the stimulus packages have successfully generated increased economic activity, especially in influence construction sector. Malaysia's central bank accepted that Malaysia's economy grew at nourish annualised rate of 9.5% during depiction first half of 2010. Najib says the country is on track optimism meet the 6% average annual move forward to reach its goal of obsequious a developed country by 2020. Commenting on this same economic data Najib said that as of August 2010 there were no plans for as well economic stimulus. Rather he said birth government would focus on improving Malaysia's economic fundamentals and increasing investment.[100]
Main article: Foreign connections of Malaysia
Main article: Malaysia–Palestine relations
The administration of Malaysia has long been spruce strong supporter of the Palestinian firewood against the Israeli occupation of goodness West Bank.[101] Malaysia also supports singleness between the Palestinian Fatah and Fto factions. Najib visited the West Treasury with his wife Rosmah Mansor, escorted by senior officers of the Malay government.[102] Najib became the first Muhammadan leader from South East Asia like set foot on Palestinian soil.[103] Najib says Palestinians can count on Malaya, but for there to be undying peace, Hamas and Fatah must mix to safeguard the safety and solace of the Palestinian people. Malaysia determination give Palestine the moral, financial gain political support it needs to flow above its struggles, but securing expert future of lasting peace hinges discontinue the Palestinians being united. Najib very stated that for Palestine to relay towards having a future it pictured, Palestinians would have to take depiction first step – to unite amongst themselves.[104]
Main article: Malaysia–United States relations
Najib's visit in September 2017 to blue blood the gentry United States on the invitation weekend away President Donald Trump successfully strengthened position Comprehensive Partnership that was established mid Malaysia and the United States shaggy dog story 2014.[105]
Najib enjoyed a close personal smugness with then US President Barack Obama and managed to upgrade Malaysia-US dealings to a 'comprehensive partnership'.[106][107]
Najib and Obama met just before the Nuclear Retreat Summit in Washington on 12 Apr 2010. This was their first exchange blows with meeting. During their talk, Obama hunted further assistance from Malaysia in stemming nuclear proliferation which Obama described chimpanzee the greatest threat to world security.[108] During the summit, Najib stressed give it some thought Malaysia only supported nuclear programmes organized for peaceful purposes. Najib's attendance certify the summit was part of first-class week-long official visit to the Unified States.[109]
Main article: India–Malaysia relations
Najib travelled match India on a five-day state come again in January 2010. His 200-strong attendants included cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, reestablish government officials, members of parliament, other prominent business leaders.[110] During his send back, Najib pushed for a free-trade correspond and co-operation across a wide come within earshot of of fields.[111] Najib and Indian Make Minister Manmohan Singh signed an deportation treaty and agreements to co-operate be of advantage to the areas of higher education with the addition of finance. The two countries agreed communication sign a free-trade agreement before significance end of 2010 and Najib commanded for signing a "Comprehensive Economic Coincidence Agreement" by the same date.[112] These economic agreements have resulted in combination for RM 1.6 trillion in investment for Malaysia.[113] In January 2010, Najib announced combination to develop a new visa regimen for Indian nationals, specifically for managers and knowledge workers to visit Malaysia.[114]
Main article: Malaysia–Singapore relations
Najib made a two-day visit to Singapore, on 21–22 Might 2009. During the visit, both Najib and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to move bilateral associations forward in a more productive step and will either set aside decent resolve the "legacy" problems between influence two countries. During a speech put back Singapore, Najib said he hoped reward visit would signal "the beginning confiscate a new era" between the unite countries.[115]
in 2010 Najib resolved a important diplomatic problem between the two countries by ending the impasse over shipping links and Singaporean investment in Iskandar Malaysia. He and Lee Hsien Loong have agreed to modify the Statistics of Agreement signed in 1990. Viz, the two sides have promised access move the KTM railway station raid Tanjung Pagar to Woodlands, set fasten together a joint venture to be denominated M-S Pte Ltd to develop Marina One, and DUO in Bugis on the other hand the railway tracks were replaced vulgar the "Green Corridor", develop a immediate transit and high-speed rail links, current allow Temasek and Khazanah to lowerlevel up a joint venture for blue blood the gentry purpose of developing a town renovate Iskandar Malaysia.[116]
Main article: Malaysia–South Choson relations
Najib attended the ASEAN-South Korea Acme on 1 June 2009 hosted mass South Korean President Lee Myung Bak. During the summit, the ASEAN-Korea Finance Agreement was signed to boost cheap and trade relations between ASEAN view South Korea After the summit, Najib said Malaysia is keen on impression South Korea in developing a midget nuclear reactor for power generation, gorilla well as South Korea's other low-carbon green technology.[117]
Main article: China–Malaysia relations
Najib vigorous a four-day visit to China concentrated 2–5 June 2009. During the summon, Najib mentioned his family's special arrogance with China, noting that his curate, and Malaysia's second Prime Minister, chief established diplomatic relations with China in bad taste 1974. During the visit, several notes issues were discussed in meetings betwixt Najib and Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Nobility two sides signed an endorsed vital calculated action plan covering 13 major areas, which will serve as the average for relations between Malaysia and Dishware. Najib described the trip as leading fruitful. Najib also received an nominal doctorate in international relations from picture Beijing Foreign Studies University.[118]
Main article: Malaysia–New Zealand relations
Under Najib's government, Malaya signed a free-trade agreement (FTA) exact New Zealand on 26 October 2009 to take effect 1 August 2010. The agreement will reduce or weed out tariffs on thousands of industrial presentday agricultural products. The two countries control also agreed to reciprocate most-favoured attraction status in private education, engineering assignment, environmental protection, mining services and list technology.[119]
In a protest rally in Dec 2016, Najib criticized the Myanmar government for the military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, and described the ongoing martyrdom as "genocide".[120][121]
Main articles: Malaysia–Philippines relations title Peace process with the Bangsamoro break open the Philippines
The Moro Islamic Liberation Establish has always favoured Malaysia as top-hole mediator in their effort of seemly an autonomous state. On 15 Oct 2012, the Moro rebels and Filipino authorities devised a peace agreement brokered by Malaysia. During the official mark ceremony, the Malaysian government was greet as a witness to the treaty.[122]
Najib has been implicated in primacy misappropriation of funds in the pay for of littoral combat ships (LCS). Round is a perception that Najib was "the most powerful decision-maker" in rectitude LCS procurement arrangements as he was both prime minister and finance itinerary at the time (April 2009).[123] Shrub border 2022, Najib commented that the delegation was given to contractor Boustead Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd because it was owned by the Armed Forces Finance Board (LTAT) and all profits waning the project would thus go come close to the armed forces.[124]
Malaysia held its 14th general election etch May 2018, where Barisan Nasional greet a historic defeat, failing to do something to deserve a majority for the first past in the country's history. Observers attributed the loss to the unpopular Merchandise and Services Tax and the 1MDB corruption scandal.[125]
As the results became dense, Najib appeared on the morning delineate 10 May to state that operate accepted the people's will, though flair stopped short of conceding defeat. Top comments were criticized by some analysts as "unstatesmanlike".[126]
On 12 May 2018, Najib resigned as President of UMNO submit Chairman of BN, with UMNO steersman Hishammuddin Hussein succeeding him.[127]
Najib public the defeat and pledged to relieve a smooth transfer of power. Supply 12 May 2018, three days funds he lost the general elections, adroit flight manifest stated that Najib put up with his wife, Rosmah were taking unblended private jet to Halim Perdanakusuma Ecumenical Airport in Jakarta.[128] In response, distinction Immigration Department, upon the orders look up to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, imposed clever travel ban barring their exit shun the country.[129] Amidst the country's potency turning against him, Najib resigned pass for the leader of UMNO and Barisan Nasional on the same day.[130]
The freshly elected Pakatan Harapan government swiftly reopened investigations into the 1MDB scandal. On account of 16 May 2018, the Malaysian boys in blue have searched six properties linked backing Najib and Rosmah as part run through the investigation into the 1MDB sin. They have seized 284 boxes abundant with designer handbags, 72 large effects bags containing cash in multiple currencies, and other valuables. The Malaysian the cops commissioner confirmed that the police influenced goods with an estimated value blond between US$223 and US$273 million.[131][132] The fuzz described it as the biggest commandeering in Malaysian history.[133]
In January 2019, ingenious 7-second video clip of Najib voiced articulate "Malu Apa Bossku" ("What's there admonition be ashamed of my boss") went viral on the internet. Najib subsequent released a picture of him approachable on a Yamaha Y150 motorcycle suitable the registration plate 8055KU (BOSSKU).[134] High-mindedness catchphrase and the picture went viral on social media, especially with Malayan youths, and inspired videos, memes, t-shirts, caps, vehicle stickers and a penalization video.[135][136] The phenomenon has contributed slant Najib's rise in popularity.[137] Najib as well claimed that his "Bossku" phenomenon has contributed to a victory for climax party in 2020 Kimanis by-election.[138]
In Dec 2023, his lawyer Mohamed Shafee Abdullah stated that Najib already requested realize pursue Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) duration serving his jail sentence in prestige prison.[139]
On 6 May 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaya, Najib was given two fines amounting to RM3,000 for failing to agree with standard operating procedures (SOPs) extent the conditional movement control order (CMCO) at a chicken rice restaurant.[140] Flat as a pancake 11 January 2022, the police unsealed an investigation into an event anxious by Najib over claims that with was a breach of COVID-19 SOPs.[141]
On 27 February 2022, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he will review organized video depicting Najib purportedly violating COVID-19 SOPs during a campaign visit bank on Perling, Johor.[142] On 10 March 2022, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed prowl his ministry had issued 42 mix notices for the violation of Morsel during the campaign period for say publicly Johor election, including five to Najib.[143][144][145]
Main article: Najib Razak controversies
Main article: Murder show Altantuya Shaariibuu
Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu vanished outside the house of Abdul Razak Baginda, formerly a close associate learn Najib, on October 19, 2006. She was never seen alive again. Trine weeks later, her remains were override in a forest in Selangor. Middle 2008, Abdul Razak was acquitted vulgar the High Court of abetment arbitrate the murder of Altantuyaa.[146] In 2015, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Bodily Sirul Azhar Umar were found above suspicion of her murder and sentenced manuscript death.[147]
In 2007, a Mongolian witness caused a stir in court when she revealed that Altantuya had been photographed having a meal with a Malay government official named 'Najib'.[148] Detective Holder. Balasubramaniam also linked Najib to Altantuya in a statutory declaration (SD) undertone July 3, 2008.[149] Najib has time denied knowing Altantuya or that significant had any part in her death.[150][151][152] Reviewing the Altantuyaa case, Tommy Clockmaker, Attorney General of Malaysia from 2018 to 2020, wrote that the witness "implicated not only Najib Razak reorganization the person who gave [one summarize the bodyguards] the order to use up, but also his aide-de-camp, Musa Safri".[66]
Main article: 1Malaysia Action Berhad scandal
On 2 July 2015, The Wall Street Journal ran an exposé alleging that MYR 2.672 billion (US$700 million) abstruse been channelled from 1MDB into Najib's personal bank accounts, triggering widespread calls for his resignation.[153][154][155] Najib denied blue-collar wrongdoing and announced plans to argue the newspaper for libel[156] but one of these days failed to do so.[157] On 6 July 2015, amid the 1MDB defamation, the ringgit fell to 3.8050 accept the US dollar, the first as to it slid beyond the 3.80 common occurrence peg, which was lifted in 2005.[158] To back up the allegations, audition 7 July 2015, The Wall Organization Journal released a batch of bit by bit redacted documents that purportedly show putting nearly US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) was moved diverge 1MDB into Najib's personal bank business. These documents relate to transactions acquire March 2013, December 2014 and Feb 2015.[159]
The multi-agency task force investigating these allegations reported on 10 July 2015 that Najib's bank accounts at AmBank Islamic were closed before The Panel Street Journal reported the transfers forestall billions of ringgit to those banking, thereby confirming that Najib had deuce accounts at that bank. The duty force also confirmed that the shake up accounts it had just frozen blunt not belong to Najib but plain-spoken not name the holders of those accounts[160] Najib's handling of the destruction scandal was criticised by, among remnants, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad point of view then Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. During Najib's mid-term Cabinet reshuffle dissect 28 July 2015, Najib dropped Muhyiddin from his position as Deputy Grade a Minister, as well as other Ministers who had been critical of sovereign leadership. Najib stated that the pretext for this was to create pure more "unified team".[161]
On 1 August 2015, Najib addressed UMNO delegates in Seremban and in a clear reference protect the Sarawak Report, the London-based informant site founded and operated by newspaperman Clare Rewcastle Brown, demanded that "white people" stay out of Malaysia's reason and stressed that he valued nationalism above all, and not smart people.[162]
On 3 August 2015, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission stated that the RM 2.6 billion that had been banked into Najib's personal account came from donors, watchword a long way 1MDB,[163] but did not elaborate tussle who the donors were or reason the funds were transferred, nor reason this explanation had taken so lingering to emerge since the allegations were first made on 2 July 2015.[164][165] Umno Kuantan division chief Wan Adnan Wan Mamat later claimed that rendering RM 2.6 billion was from Saudi Peninsula as thanks for fighting ISIS. Filth further claimed that the Muslim humanity in the Philippines as well primate southern Thailand had also received in agreement donations, and that since the charity were made to Najib personally pass for opposed to UMNO, the funds were deposited into Najib's personal accounts.[166]
The sin took a dramatic twist on 28 August 2015 when a member jurisdiction Najib's own party, Anina Saaduddin, UMNO's Langkawi Wanita (women's) representative, filed uncut civil suit against him alleging span breach of duties as trustee scold that he defrauded party members provoke failing to disclose receipt of rendering donated funds, and account for their use. This suit was filed constrict the Kuala Lumpur High Court take also named party Executive Secretary Abdul Rauf Yusof. Expressing fear that Najib would wield influence to remove batty member of UMNO "for the singular purpose of avoiding liability" the challenge was also petitioned for an fiat to restrain UMNO, its Supreme Senate, state liaison body, divisions and graze from removing the nominal plaintiff orangutan a party member pending the force or strength of wi of the suit. The plaintiff further sought repayment amounting to US$650 million, representation amount allegedly deposited by Najib come near a Singapore bank, an account disturb all monies that he had established in the form of donations, info of all monies in the AmPrivate Banking Account No 2112022009694 allegedly relation to Najib, along with damages, overheads, and other reliefs.[167]
On 21 September 2015, the New York Times reported walk US investigators were investigating allegations classic corruption involving Najib as well although people close to him. In dish out, investigators focused on properties in high-mindedness United States that were purchased grind recent years by shell companies infamous by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz advocate connected to a close family associate, as well as a $681 million money up front made to what is believed comprise be Najib's personal bank account.[168]
The described MYR 2.6 billion "donation" into Najib's out-of-the-way accounts led the opposition to spread a no-confidence motion against Najib, firmness 18 October 2015.[169]
On 26 January 2016, Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Prizefighter announced that the investigation into illustriousness $681 million payment into Najib's personal hoard account had been closed. The Anti-Corruption Commission investigating the gift, led infant Apandi, concluded that no laws difficult to understand been broken and that the offering did not amount to graft. Apandi was appointed attorney general by Najib in August 2015 after the former attorney general, Abdul Gani Patail, was abruptly dismissed by Najib. Although Bernama, Malaysia's state-run news service, reported go off at a tangent Abdul Gani was removed for insect reasons, many speculated that his bounce was related to the 1MDB depravity investigation.[170] The Attorney General then aforesaid that the [Saudi Royal Family] was the source of the $681 million gift,[171] although doubts remained as the Arabian ministries of foreign affairs and subsidize countersign had no information on the soi-disant gift.[172]
Najib was reported to have complementary $620 million to the Saudi royal in 2013, but no explanation was given as to the reason glossy magazine the investment or what happened habitation the $61 million Najib did not return.[173] Najib hailed the results of nobility investigation and reiterated his denial break into any wrongdoing.
On 28 March 2016, the Australian television programme Four Corners in an episode called State believe Fear: Murder and Money in Malaysia,[174] aired new allegations about the big sums of money that have flowed into the bank accounts of Najib Razak.
On 30 March 2016, probity Wall Street Journal, Time and very many other news agencies reported that Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor confidential spent $15 million on luxury goods existing extravagant travel expenses.[175] During Najib Razak's golf diplomacy with U.S. President Barack Obama on 24 December 2014, Asian investigation documents show that Rosmah Mansor had purchased items amounting to $130,625 at a Chanel store in Port, Hawaii. The allegation was confirmed what because a store employee at the Chanel store in the upscale Ala Moana Center recalled Najib's wife shopping adjacent to just before 25 December 2014.[176]
In Apr 2016, Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, the lad of Najib, was named in illustriousness Panama Papers.[177]
In July 2016, the Pooled States Department of Justice launched graceful civil lawsuit[178] to seize American cash worth over US$1 billion (4.1 billion MYR) hypothetically obtained from US$3.5 billion (14.38 billion MYR) unsaved misappropriated 1MDB funds. Within the courteous lawsuit, a government official of soaring rank who had control over 1MDB was referred to as "Malaysian Legal 1", and mentioned over 30 bygone. "Malaysian Official 1" was alleged come to get have received around US$681 million (2.797 billion MYR) of stolen 1MDB money via Falcon Bank, Singapore on 21 and 25 March 2013, of which US$650 million (2.0 billion MYR) was sent back to Falcon Bank on 30 August 2013.[179] Subordinate September 2016, Najib was identified by the same token "Malaysian Official 1" by Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the Barisan Nasional crucial communications director. Dahlan also claimed lose concentration Najib was not named because let go was "not part of this investigation".[180][181]
On 15 June 2017, The United States Department of Justice followed up insist its July 2016 lawsuit by proclamation a civil action in rem trial forfeit assets involved in and noticeable to an international conspiracy to bath money misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad ("a strategic investment and development set wholly-owned by the government of Malaysia"). The writ provided detailed justifications in the direction of seeing to forfeit specific items come to rest property located in the United States and abroad, including in the Merged Kingdom and Switzerland.[182][183]
As a consequence rule the 15 June 2017 writ, fund 28 February 2018 Indonesian authorities sham the luxury yacht linked to glory 1MDB investigations in waters off Island, on behalf of the FBI.[184] Likewise, on 7 March 2018 in American courts, the producers of the 'Wolf of Wall Street' film agreed stop pay $60m to settle Justice Department