Najib says he is innocent, has chance to clear his name

Court sets trial date Feb 18
Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, says he is innocent and has a chance to clear his name, hours after being charged with offences including abuse of power.

Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, today said he was innocent and had a chance to clear his name, hours after being charged with offences including abuse of power.

Najib pleaded not guilty to the charges arising from an investigation into a scandal-plagued state fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which he founded almost a decade ago.

"I am confident of my innocence, I believe in my innocence and this is the best chance to clear my name," Najib told reporters outside the courtroom after being released on bail.

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"If this is the price I have to pay for 42 years I served the people and the country...I am willing," he added.

The trial date has been set for February 18 next year.