Saudi king gave millions as he was wowed by Malaysia’s Islam, Najib says
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NAJIB Razak told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that he received hundreds of millions in a donation from the Saudi royal family, who were impressed with Malaysia’s moderate Islam.
The former prime minister also said it was wanted financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, who organised meetings between him and King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh and Jeddah.
“In one incident, before my official visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2010, Low told me that King Abdullah was very impressed with Malaysia’s moderate Islam and the equal treatment of our Muslims and non-Muslims,” Najib testified in the defence stage of his SRC International Sdn Bhd trial.
His charges are linked to RM4 billion in loans issued to SRC International in 2011 and 2012, for which he is accused of receiving RM42 million in his accounts in 2014 and 2015.
The 66-year-old is addressing the court, via a 243-page witness statement, on the allegations against him.
Najib said Low told him that he would be conferred the King Abdulaziz Order of Merit (1st Class), which the former prime minister received in January 2010.
He said it was during this trip that he and the Saudi king discussed the need to work together to eradicate extremism.
“King Abdullah also gave special attention to the rise in Islamist militants and extremist teachings, and requested that I ensured Malaysia remained free from negative influences.
Najib said it was in mid-2010 that Low informed him that King Abdullah had agreed to show his support in the form of a private donation.
“At the time, I did not know the amount… only that the donation would be managed through a prince. Low told me that he would inform me of further details when he learnt more.
“After that, around 2010, Low confirmed that the donation would be transferred. From 2011 to 2014, I received a large amount of money, which I believe was a donation from King Abdullah as a sign of his support.
“Low acted as a mediator in this matter, and I trusted him to manage the donation on behalf of the Saudi royal family. Several letters regarding the donation were received by AmBank and myself from Low.”
On whether the Penang-born businessman had mentioned a specific amount, Najib said: “No specific amount was mentioned to me, but Low did say it was likely US$100 million to US$200 million (RM418 million to RM836 million).”
Asked if he was surprised by the amount, he said: “It may seem like a lot, but I was told that the Saudi royal family are generous and have previously donated large amounts to foundations in the US, including the Clinton Foundation, as well as other countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan and Palestine, as part of (Saudi Arabia’s) foreign relations and diplomatic policy.”
Strengthening Najib’s belief that Low was well-connected to Saudi royals was the approval of Malaysia’s request to increase the haj quota.
He said during the Arab Spring uprising, Low arranged for Malaysian students to transit through Jeddah from Egypt without the need for visas.
“I also received a Kiswah (the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca) as a gift from King Abdullah. I still keep it to this day.”
Najib’s legal team is led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. Attorney-General Tommy Thomas heads the prosecution, while justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali presides. – December 4, 2019.