Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today vehemently denied the corruption charges against him in the 1MDB trial, calling them politically motivated. He also criticized the investigation as flawed, claiming that it undermined the independence of the Attorney-General’s office. Najib maintained that his actions were in line with his duties, rejecting claims of financial mismanagement or wrongdoing.
KUALA LUMPUR – Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took the stand today in his ongoing 1MDB trial, vehemently denying all allegations of misconduct and labelling the charges against him as politically motivated. Najib’s testimony focused on the circumstances surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, as he refuted claims that he misused his position for personal gain.
Tea on a Yacht: Najib Refutes Claims of “Sinister Plot”
One of the key moments in Najib’s defense centered on his 2009 meeting with Saudi Prince Turki bin Abdullah Al-Saud and PetroSaudi International (PSI) executive Tarek Obaid, which took place aboard a yacht in the South of France during a private family vacation. Najib vehemently rejected suggestions that the meeting was anything other than a casual social gathering.
“The idea that we were plotting some sort of sinister plan is not only ridiculous but entirely unfounded,” said Najib, explaining that he was invited to join the prince for an informal afternoon tea. He emphasized that this meeting was entirely personal, with his wife, children, and friends present. “If there had been any hidden agenda, I would not have allowed photographs to be taken,” Najib added.
Najib also dismissed the testimony of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer Nur Aida Arifin, who claimed that the meeting resembled a government-to-government (G2G) discussion. He called her interpretation “deranged” and “deluded,” accusing her of misunderstanding the nature of the event.
1MDB-PetroSaudi Joint Venture: “No Pressure” from Najib
Another point of contention in the trial was the joint venture between 1MDB and PetroSaudi, which Najib is accused of helping orchestrate. The former Prime Minister strongly refuted claims that he had pressured 1MDB’s board to enter into the joint venture, which involved an investment of US$1 billion.
In his testimony, Najib explained that a phone call he made to 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh before a board meeting was not an attempt to direct the board’s decision, but rather to encourage Bakke to carefully consider the proposal. “I categorically deny that my brief exchange with Bakke was meant to compel or influence the board,” he said. “I merely supported them in making an informed decision, which I assumed would be made after hearing from PSI’s representative.”
Najib also pointed out that the meeting minutes did not record any directive from him, which would have been expected if he had ordered the board to approve the deal.
Husni’s Testimony: A Convenient Scapegoat?
Najib also addressed the testimony of Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, who had claimed that he had warned against the creation of 1MDB. Husni, who served as the Finance Minister II at the time, said that he had raised concerns about the risks of the venture. However, Najib disputed this account, stating that there was no record of Husni raising objections during Cabinet meetings.
“It’s convenient for them to place the blame on me to shield themselves from criminal liability,” Najib said, referring to former 1MDB management members who had testified in the trial. He added that the 1MDB affair was executed by individuals like Jho Low, and they should be held accountable.
Flawed Investigation: “A Politically Motivated Attack”
Throughout his testimony, Najib also criticized the investigation into the 1MDB scandal, describing it as flawed and politically motivated. He argued that the investigation was biased and that the charges against him were based on false assumptions rather than objective facts. He expressed frustration that the investigating authorities had never asked him key questions that would have clarified his role.
Najib remarked: “By such actions, you have thrown away the independence of the office of the AG (Attorney-General) since the time we received independence!” He further argued that the charges were an attempt to discredit him for political reasons, rather than an impartial investigation of the facts.
Key Denials and Clarifications
In his testimony, Najib also addressed several specific points raised by the prosecution. One of the key moments was when he was questioned about the failure to declare certain interests to the Cabinet during the investigation. “Would it be correct to say that during the investigation, you were not confronted with any questions about the interest you were required to declare to the Cabinet then?” he was asked. Najib responded, “Yes, that would be correct. Despite the finalized charges against me, which the MACC knew at the point of recording my statement, I was not confronted with the purported interest I was required to declare.”
He continued, “This approach is consistent with the rest of the other allegations before. I was not given the opportunity to clarify allegations that would later form the basis of the charges against me.” Najib argued that the investigation was fundamentally flawed, with critical questions about his actions never being addressed.
Najib Denied Interaction with Jho Low and Shahrol
Addressing a specific allegation about a meeting on 17 July 2009, Najib firmly denied any interaction with Jho Low or Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi. “Fifteen years have lapsed; how are you sure you did not have a meeting with either Jho Low or Shahrol on 17 July 2009?” he was asked. He responded, “Firstly, I would not meet with Jho Low to discuss such matters, as he held no role in TIA. Although he initially advised Tuanku Mizan during TIA’s inception, he had no further involvement in the organization. Moreover, as of the said date, the Cabinet had, just two days earlier, approved the Federal Government’s takeover of TIA. Even assuming Jho Low continued to advise Tuanku Mizan on TIA, there would be no basis for him to meet with me regarding matters in the document attached to email D276, as these were no longer relevant to TIA.”
Najib further explained that he did not meet with Shahrol to discuss the matters raised in the email. “Shahrol never verified the contents of D276 with me,” he said. “Shahrol simply relied on representations made to him by Jho Low. It was he and the management who executed those actions following Jho Low’s instructions, not due to any supposed endorsement on my part.”
He also noted, “By 19 July 2009, TIA had already agreed to be federalized. Despite this, Shahrol continued to seek advice from Jho Low, who had previously served as the Special Advisor to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on matters in which the YDPA no longer held any interest.” Najib asserted, “Datuk Shahrol was serving Jho Low’s interest, and Jho Low’s interest alone. The so-called talking points were scripts to be rehearsed and repeated by them to mislead and misrepresent the matters to the Ministry of Finance and the Board of Directors.”
Facing Multiple Charges
Najib faces a series of charges, including four counts of abuse of power for allegedly using his position to enrich himself, and 21 counts of money laundering over the misappropriation of RM2.28 billion in 1MDB funds. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison, alongside hefty fines.
The trial continues to unfold, with Najib’s defense team expected to challenge both the prosecution’s narrative and the credibility of key witnesses. Najib has consistently denied all charges, framing the case as part of a political vendetta against him. – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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