Malaysia Proves No One is Above the Law as Najib Loses Tax Appeal

On November 17, the Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected appeals from Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his son Mohd Nazifuddin Najib to delay their bankruptcy proceedings over massive unpaid tax bills.

Instead, the court ordered them to settle their bills. Najib will have to pay RM 1.69 billion ($407 million), while his son will pay RM 37.6 million ($9 million).

In addition to this tax case, Najib faces a number of charges for his role in the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

Court: “Pay First, Dispute Later”

The Judicial Commissioner in charge of the case ruled that the High Court is responsible for enforcing tax collection, while disputes over tax calculations must be handled by the Special Commissioners of Income Tax. The judge said there was no valid reason to halt the bankruptcy process.

He added that in addition to their unpaid taxes, both men must also pay RM 7,000 ($1,686) each in fees