Najib Razak, Malaysia’s Fallen Leader, Is Arrested in 1MDB Corruption Scandal

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has moved quickly since returning to power to restart the investigations at home

In an exclusive interview at the WSJ CEO Council in Tokyo, newly elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed he plans to remain in power for "one or two years" rather than hand the reins to longtime opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Tom Wright in Hong Kong and

Yantoultra Ngui in Kuala Lumpur

Updated July 3, 2018 5:49 a.m. ET

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested Tuesday in connection with a multibillion-dollar financial scandal at the heart of his government.

Mr. Najib quashed an investigation into the scandal when it exploded three years ago. But he is no longer able to dictate events after being cast from office in a stunning election loss in May, and Malaysia’s new rulers are eager to unearth what went on at troubled state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB.

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