Malaysia’s High Court on 20 June 2025 granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for former prime minister Najib Razak, in a case involving three counts of money laundering over RM27 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of scandal‑tainted state fund 1MDB.
Najib, imprisoned since August 2022 following a conviction in a separate case involving RM42 million from SRC, faced further charges dating back to 2019. The trial had repeatedly stalled, prompting his legal team to seek DNAA to end the indefinite wait.
In court, Judge K. Muniandy noted the unacceptable delay—six years without a trial—and ruled DNAA the most appropriate measure under the rules of law. The ruling allows Najib to exit current proceedings but permits prosecution to refile future charges.
Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, told reporters the DNAA spared his client from “legal limbo” while preserving the prosecution’s right to reinstate charges when ready. The lawyer added the move lifted the proverbial “sword of Damocles” from Najib’s head.
This marks the second instance of DNAA in 1MDB‑related cases involving Najib. In 2024, DNAA was granted on another 1MDB‑linked charge over procedural concerns. Additionally, Najib was acquitted in 2023 of charges of tampering with a government audit into 1MDB.
The prosecution has not yet indicated whether it will refile the SRC charges. Opposition politician Rafizi Ramli commented that the Attorney‑General’s Chambers should clarify intentions soon and prepare without further delays. He noted available money‑trail evidence was strong .
Najib remains incarcerated under a 12‑year sentence upheld by Malaysia’s Federal Court in August 2022. The sentence stemmed from a 2020 conviction for corruption and money laundering connected to SRC International.
He continues to face the largest ongoing 1MDB trial, with closing arguments due in October 2025.
Najib maintains his innocence and is petitioning to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, citing a purported royal directive
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