(Associated Press)KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A prominent Malaysian opposition lawmaker with a reputation as a whistleblower was sentenced to 18 months in jail on Monday for releasing a classified document on a controversial state investment fund. A Malaysian rights group called the sentence a “dangerous chill on free speech” that could lead to a more repressive and unaccountable government. The Malaysian rights group Lawyers for Liberty called the sentence harsh and excessive, saying Rafizi was just performing his duties as a lawmaker. The 1MDB fund has been at the center of investigations in the U.S. and several countries amid allegations of a global embezzlement and money-laundering scheme. The government complaints also say that more than $700 million has landed in the accounts of “Malaysian Official 1.” They did not name the official, but appear to be referring to Najib.

Source: Washington Post November 14, 2016 06:22 UTC