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Malaysian Opposition Lawmaker Jailed for Exposing 1MDB Audit

by Associated Press

   KUALA LUMPUR --

   A prominent Malaysian opposition lawmaker, who has a reputation as a
   whistle blower, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for releasing a
   classified document on a controversial state investment fund. A rights
   group slammed the jail sentence as a "dangerous chill" on free speech
   that could lead to a more repressive and unaccountable government.

   Rafizi Ramli, vice president of the People's Justice Party, was found
   guilty by the court on Monday for violating the Official Secrets Act by
   possessing and disclosing part of a government audit report on the
   indebted 1MDB fund, founded by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

   Rafizi, who often makes allegations on alleged government wrongdoing,
   said he will appeal. He risks being disqualified from running in the
   next general elections due in 2018.