KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak will be called to appear on 25 counts of abuse of power and money laundering charges after the judge ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption case.

Judge Collin Lawrence Sequearah delivered his decision at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (October 30).

The decision came after 12 days of oral statements by the prosecution and defense, starting on 19 August and ending on 3 October.

The prosecution closed the case against Najib on May 30, and more than 50 witnesses have testified over the past 5 years; The trial will begin on August 28, 2019.

Najib, 71, was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

The offenses carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000 (US$2,290), whichever is higher.

On 21 counts of money laundering, Najib is accused of committing the crimes between March 22, 2013 and August 30, 2013.