KUALA LUMPUR: A former staffer felt that a prime minister would have the power and influence to create “instability” in his life, the High Court heard.
Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin (pic), 43, testified that although his former boss Datuk Seri Najib Razak had never personally threatened him as the nation’s No.1 man, nevertheless, Najib had the power to do so.
The one-time special officer to the former prime minister was under a re-examination by lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial here yesterday.
Sri Ram: When you were asked about threats, you said “with respect to my former boss”. What did you mean by that?
Amhari: There is no personal threat by Najib, definitely not, but as a prime minister... a prime minister would have all the necessary power to at least create some instability. I’m being very polite here.
Sri Ram: Instability in what?
Amhari: In my livelihood, my job.
The witness added that a prime minister “would have the power to do things” and his supporters could take matters into their own hands.
Sri Ram earlier asked Amhari if he had any idea where the threats were from.
“It can be (from) any stakeholders in this trial, whoever they are... whatever group they are, ” the witness replied.
Sri Ram: One of the stakeholders is the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Do you include them?
Amhari: No.
The lead prosecutor then pressed further for Amhari to explain the other stakeholders he meant but the witness appeared hesitant.
Sri Ram: Who are the other stakeholders?
Amhari: Whether they...
Sri Ram: Don’t be afraid. Nobody is going to touch you here.
Amhari: Whether the current ruling government or the previous ruling government.
Amhari was testifying on the 10th day of the 1MDB trial.
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