AFP, 21/02/2019

A controversial British former media adviser to Malaysia’s toppled leader is being sought by authorities for allegedly laundering $3.4 million, officials said Thursday, nine months after his boss was ejected from office.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Paul Stadlen, who is believed to have fled Malaysia shortly after the long-ruling government of former prime minister Najib Razak suffered a shock election defeat.

Former PR guru Paul Stadlen was known for staunchly defending Najib Razak (C) even as corruption allegations against him multiplied (AFP/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Najib’s government faced claims of huge corruption, including that he and his cronies plundered billions of dollars from a sovereign wealth fund and used it to buy everything from high-end real estate to art.

Stadlen was known for staunchly defending Najib even as corruption allegations against him multiplied, and was reputed to have a hard-partying, playboy lifestyle during his years in Kuala Lumpur.