The Malaysian Insight

NAJIB Razak told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that he was not involved in SRC International operations as he was busy administering the federal government at the time. 

The former prime minister said this when cross-examined by ad hoc prosecutor V. Sithambaram on a RM40 million transaction from SRC International to its corporate social responsibility partner Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd in 2014.

The court heard that on December 24, 2014, RM40 million from SRC International, via its subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, was transferred to Ihsan Perdana.

From the RM40 million in Ihsan Perdana, RM27 million was transferred to Najib’s personal AmBank account ending 880 and RM5 million was transferred to another of Najib’s accounts, ending 906, on December 26, 2014.

Sithambaram suggested to Najib that none of the company executives had questioned or disputed the transactions.

Sithambaram: I’m also putting it to you that Gandingan Mentari did not dispute the transfer of RM40 million from Gandingan Mentari to Ihsan Perdana.

Najib: I don’t know. It’s up to the management. Ask them.

Sithambaram: I am putting it to you that they did not challenge the transfer. You are a big person in SRC (International). That’s why I’m asking you.

Najib: I am not involved in operations, okay. I was looking after the whole country. Would you accept that?

Sithambaram: I don’t want to respond otherwise it would not be very friendly. My answer will not be flattering.

I am putting it to you that this entire transaction and return of the money was because you advanced the money from these two accounts.

Najib: I disagree.

Earlier Sithambaram asked: “Datuk Seri, from the time, RM27 million and RM5 million came to your account, you are quite content that you have used it.”

Najib replied: “I used it, but I didn’t know the source of funds.”

Najib is on trial for charges linked to RM4 billion in loans issued to SRC International in 2011 and 2012, of which he is accused of receiving RM42 million in 2014 and 2015.

The 66-year-old has maintained that he was under the impression that RM42 million he spent originated from donations from the Saudi Arabian royal family.  

Najib is represented by a team of lawyers led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. The prosecution is led by Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

The hearing before judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali resumes tomorrow. – December 18, 2019.