The Malaysian Insight

NAJIB Razak today disagreed with the prosecution that former attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali was wrong in exonerating him in connection to fraud at SRC International in 2016.

Najib also testified in the high court that he did not have anything to do with Apandi being appointed to the Tabung Haji board.

During cross-examination, Najib disagreed with a suggestion from  ad hoc prosecutor V. Sithambaram that Apandi was wrong in clearing him of wrongdoing.

Sithambaram: Under the Tabung Haji Act of 1995, the attorney-general is not a compulsory member of the Tabung Haji board?

Najib: Probably not. I cannot recall.

Sithambaram: From the bank statements and all the evidence, they clearly show that RM42 million from SRC had gone into your account, with your knowledge. You agree or disagree?

Najib: I disagree.

Sithambaram: The abuse of power and criminal breach of trust charges show that the monies that you expended from this source make you liable for Amla (Anti-Money Laundering, AntiTerrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001) offences too.

Najib: I disagree.

Sithambaram: The evidence given in this trial thus far shows the position of the attorney-general (Apandi) is clearly wrong, sir. You agree or disagree?

Najib: I disagree.

Sithambaram: I’m also putting it to you that his appointment to the Tabung Haji board contemporaneously shows it is a mala fide position as well.

Najib: I disagree.

Sithambaram: Are you calling Tan Sri Apandi as a witness in this case?

Najib: I’m considering the matter.

Apandi was appointed attorney-general in July 2015. Apandi resigned from the position as well as from the Tabung Haji board a month after Pakatan Harapan swept into power on May 9, 2018.

Najib’s legal team informed the court last month that it will call the 69-year-old Umno politician following disputes over the veracity of a document that Najib wants to tender as evidence.

The defence wants Apandi, who runs a private practice, to authenticate a 2016 press statement exonerating Najib of wrongdoing in the wake of investigations by multiple enforcement agencies the year before.

Najib faces three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money-laundering and one count of abuse of power.

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 trial, before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, resumes on February 3. – January 23, 2020.