A TEAM of lawyers is being assembled for former prime minister Najib Razak, following a series of police raids on his private residence, former office and apartments, said his lawyer today.

Harpal Singh Grewal said the team has to be ready for any cases brought from the intensive police action over the past few days.

“I am putting together a team. Those he approves will act for him. Of course, there will be some lawyers who may not want to join us,” he told Malaysia Decides.

Harpal was present during the raid on Najib’s home in Taman Duta, which began last night. It was reported that police were seen at the house up till this afternoon.

It is understood that police are investigating both Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, for several offences under the Penal Code and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Police already have several open files related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd and SRC Bhd cases from a few years ago.

They seized boxes that contained jewellery, shoes and other personal effects from the house in the exclusive, wealthy Taman Duta enclave across Istana Negara.

Harpal said there is no indication as to when the authorities will act, but Najib’s team is getting ready.

Najib was Malaysia’s sixth prime minister, from April 2009 to May 9 this year, when he and his Barisan Nasional coalition were trounced in the polls.

Though mired in the 1MDB scandal, he won his first mandate in the 2013 elections. His loss last week was blamed on the unpopular 6% goods and services tax, which will be zero-rated starting June 1 by the new Pakatan Harapan government. – May 17, 2018.