Najib Apologizes Amid Global 1MDB Scandal Probes

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has issued a public apology for his mishandling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, which has faced corruption probes across at least six countries for the misappropriation of $4.5 billion. Although Najib maintains that he did not know about the illegal transfers and claims not to have collaborated with fugitive businessman Jho Low, he acknowledged that he should have acted differently when suspicions first arose. Najib expressed remorse, stating it pains him daily that the debacle occurred under his tenure, and apologized unreservedly to Malaysians. His apology coincides with Malaysia's proposal of a new law allowing house arrest as an alternative punishment, which Najib is seeking for his remaining sentence. Despite his apology, Najib continues to assert his lack of full culpability, citing recent evidence that he was misled by others involved in the scandal.