KUALA LUMPUR: Over 100 supporters of Datuk Seri Najib Razak have gathered at the court complex here in anticipation of his arrival where he will today know if he will be called to enter defence or freed of all criminal charges linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MBD) financial debacle.
They were heard chanting "Bebas Bossku!" "Hidup Bossku" calling for justice to be served on the former prime minister and ex- Umno president.
Some have arrived as early as 6am to secure a good spot near the court's main entrance to get a glimpse of Najib who will arrive with an entourage of police and prison officials.
Police presence made up of those clad in tactical gears as well as traffic were also seen stationed along the road leading to the court complex and the compound.
A supporter, Mazenol Jaafar, 69, from Felda Chini 3, a Najib supporter since the 1970s, hoped Najib will be freed.
She was one of the earliest to arrive in support of Najib today, adding that she came from Pahang yesterday with her family members and other supporters.
"We deeply and greatly miss him (Najib) for the support that 'BossKu' has given the people.
"Many have sent their regards to him. Our wish in our gathering here today is that he will be freed," she said.
Jaafar Ishak, 78, also from Pekan, who once worked with Najib, said the former Pekan member of parliament was a very people-oriented leader.
"For example, at events, sometimes he wouldn't sit in the designated place. He would go around to mingle with the people," he said.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh was also seen arriving at the court to show his support.
Presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, also the Court of Appeal judge, is expected to give his verdict at the end of the prosecution's case at 9am.
Najib was charged at the Sessions Court on Sept 20, 2018, and the case was allowed to be transferred to the High Court on Oct 31, 2018. The trial began on Aug 28, 2019.
Among the key witnesses called to testify were former 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, former chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, and former 1MDB general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan.
Najib was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.
For the 21 charges of money laundering, Najib is accused of committing the offences between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.
All these charges are under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.