KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian prosecutors on Tuesday (Aug 27) wrapped up the first of several cases against toppled leader Najib Razak over the plundering of 1MDB, a day before the start of his main trial linked to the scandal-hit fund.

With the prosecution now finished, a judge will hear arguments from both sides in October and rule on Nov 11 whether the case is strong enough to continue.

If he rules that it is, Najib will likely begin his defence in December.

The former prime minister, his family members and inner circle are accused of stealing billions of dollars from the sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in a fraud that stretched around the world.

The claims played a major part in Najib's government losing power at elections last year. He was arrested after being ejected from office, and went on trial in April.

The current trial is the first of several that Najib is expected to face over 1MDB, and centres on claims that 42 million ringgit (S$13.8 million) was stolen from SRC International, a former unit of the fund.

The prosecution called 57 witnesses during the first stage of the trial and the court heard evidence about the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, after allegedly looting state coffers.

Najib has denied all charges.

The 66-year-old's biggest trial over 1MDB will begin on Wednesday, centring on allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the fund were transferred to his bank account.