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Najib's bid to defer 1MDB sentence rejected by court

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed in his attempt to postpone his 15-year prison sentence in the 1MDB case. The sentence is now scheduled to commence in 2028, following completion of his current six-year term for the SRC International conviction.

LSN Malaysia · 14 October 2026

Najib's bid to defer 1MDB sentence rejected by court

Najib Razak's legal challenge to delay his 1MDB-related prison term has been unsuccessful, clearing the way for the staggered execution of his sentences. The former premier is currently serving a six-year sentence stemming from his SRC International conviction, with that term set to conclude before his 1MDB sentence begins.

The 15-year prison sentence in connection with the 1MDB scandal will now commence in 2028, according to court proceedings. This arrangement means Najib will serve both sentences sequentially rather than concurrently, extending his total period of incarceration significantly.

The 1MDB case represents one of the most high-profile financial scandals in Malaysian history, involving the misappropriation of billions of ringgit from the state investment fund. Najib's conviction and sentencing marked a watershed moment in the country's judicial system, demonstrating the legal consequences faced by senior political figures in connection with the scandal.

The rejection of Najib's deferment request closes a chapter in his ongoing legal battles and confirms the timeline for his imprisonment. The decision underscores the finality of the court's original sentencing determinations across multiple cases.