Malaysian graft buster: Voice clips show cover-up by ex-PM

In this June 18, 2019, file photo, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak walks into the lift as he arrives at Kuala Lumpur High Court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Najib has started his defense Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, in his first corruption trial linked to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund. (Photo by VINCENT THIAN / AP File Photo)

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has released a series of audio recordings allegedly showing how former Prime Minister Najib Razak abused his power to conceal wrongdoings linked to a massive corruption scandal involving the 1MDB state investment fund.

The voice clips marked a new blow to Najib, who has denied any wrongdoings in the scandal and is on trial for graft after his shocking election defeat in May 2018.

Commission chief Latheefa Koya said the phone conversations, recorded from January to July 2016, revealed a “clear cover-up and criminal conspiracy” by Najib to stifle investigations and charges linked to 1MDB against him.

Latheefa said Tuesday the agency had verified that the clips were genuine but declined to say how it obtained them. She said the clips will be given to the police for further action.