Najib’s lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, said the former prime minister had expressed his “deep disappointment” that his name was being used as “political propaganda” despite his imprisonment.

“Our client wishes to categorically deny these allegations,” Shafee said in a statement.

“Our client has consistently maintained since the commencement of his trials in 2018 that he wishes to get acquitted through the judicial process of the courts because not only does he want to secure his liberty, but also his legacy and integrity.”

He said Najib was confident that his application to review his conviction and jail sentence in the SRC International case was his best chance of being released from prison.

The review application was on the basis that Najib had been deprived of his constitutional rights to a fair trial.

This, he said, was because the defence team was not provided with the opportunity to sufficiently prepare for the appeal.

As a result, no submissions or arguments were heard in Najib’s defence.

“If the application for review is in his favour, our client shall seek a re-trial under a fair and just process to prove his innocence where he will be at liberty to present his case inclusive of the application to introduce facts and information that were previously not made available to the defence at the trial,” he said.

Shafee said Najib maintained his innocence in the matter.

“Our client urges his political rivals to no longer engage in unfounded political propaganda and allow the legal process to take its course,” he said.

Najib, who was convicted on charges of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering, is serving 12 years’ in jail. He was also fined RM210 million.

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.