Court denies Najib's bid to delay start of 1MDB prison sentence

The court's decision effectively ends Najib's attempt to remain free pending the outcome of his legal appeals in the high-profile 1MDB scandal. The former premier had sought a stay of execution on his sentence, but the presiding judge determined that his circumstances did not meet the threshold for such relief, clearing the way for him to enter prison to begin serving his term.

Najib has faced multiple convictions stemming from his involvement with 1MDB, the state investment fund that became the centre of one of the world's largest financial scandals. The convictions carry significant prison sentences, and his legal team had previously explored various avenues to delay incarceration while pursuing further appeals through Malaysia's judicial system.

The rejection of his stay application represents a significant development in a case that has drawn international attention and raised questions about governance and accountability in Malaysia. The decision underscores the court's position that standard legal protections available to appellants do not apply to Najib's circumstances in a manner that would justify postponing his imprisonment.

Najib's legal options now appear limited to pursuing his substantive appeals through higher courts while serving his sentence, a course that remains available to him under Malaysian law.