Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bans predecessor Najib Razak from leaving country over involvment in 1MDB scandal

After over four decades in politics and the recent election campaign, which was regrettably personal and perhaps the most intense in Malaysian history, I will take a short break to spend time with my family whom I have not seen enough of in recent years.

— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) May 11, 2018

This orders followed after the former Prime Minister shared a post on social media that his wife and he would be going on a week-long holiday overseas post his tragic defeat in general elections. Immigration Department announced on its Facebook page, "The Malaysian Immigration Department would like to confirm that Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor have just been blacklisted from leaving the country.” 

A few minutes later Najib posted on Twitter that he respects the direction by the Immigration Department and would remain in the country and has cancelled his overseas trip.

I pray that after this divisive period, the country will unite. I apologise for any shortcomings and mistakes, and I thank you, the people, for the opportunity to lead our great nation. It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve you and Malaysia.

— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) May 11, 2018

According to reports, the newly-elected PM Mahathir plans to reopen investigations into the 2015 graft scandal involving former PM Najib.

Reports also stated that Mahathir is going to appoint a finance ministry adviser to "restart the 1MDB probe and bring back the money”.

As soon as the former PM shared the weekend getaway news,  journalists gathered near Kuala Lumpur from where Najib and his wife were supposed to leave for Jakarta.

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