The former prime minister was riding high, and from a gilded and privileged background, until he began to be seen as unfair and corrupt
On day one of the former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International trial in July 2018, ex-prime minister Najib Razak was brought to court by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials mere weeks after he lost the general election.
But he was not in handcuffs or an orange jumpsuit, as per usual MACC procedures. He had not spent the night at the MACC lock-up like other accused. Instead, Najib walked into court in his trademark navy blazer and a striking red tie, surrounded by guards and supporters.
This summer, shortly before he finally lost his appeal against his 2020 conviction for corruption, Najib still left his luxurious home surrounded by bodyguards and was greeted by a legion of loyal supporters at the court entrance.