As the day of the Federal Court’s verdict loomed and facing the likelihood of being sent to prison, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak penned his final words and argued that all he wanted to do was to lead Malaysia with a sincere heart and give its people his best.

In his 46 years in politics, he said he had seen treachery, cruelty, enmity, and sincerity repaid with betrayal. And through it all, he said he could only be himself and be a...