1MDB trial: I messaged Najib on his birthday, not to double-check on instructions, say witness

KUALA LUMPUR: Former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) CEO’s handphone number is listed in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s contacts, but the communication between the two were few and far between, the High Court heard.

Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, 49, admitted that he was able to directly message the former prime minister, but he was mindful not to do so thoughtlessly.

The witness said this during cross-examination conducted by Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah here on Monday (Oct 14).

Shafee had posed to the witness that with his pay grade, he should have done more to double-check with Najib on matters, instead of taking instructions from fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, or better known as Jho Low.

Shafee: With 18 months bonus (as the CEO), don’t you think it is incumbent upon you to find out from the prime minister?

Shahrol: I already did. In my mind, at that time, Jho and Najib were in constant contact. I had no reason to keep double-checking whether what Jho was telling me was in fact Najib’s instructions or not.

The witness explained that Article 117 of 1MDB’s Memorandum and Article’s of Association stated that decisions on matters involving national finance, security and policy would be up to the prime minister.

“So on that part, added together with what I believe at that time was Jho relaying instructions from Najib, I had no reason to double-check, ” he said.

Shafee then pointed out that at one stage, Shahrol was on “messaging mode” with the former prime minister.

Shafee: If I were to inspect his (Najib’s) phone right now, your number is there. You were on messaging mode, is that correct?

Shahrol: I messaged him maybe once a year.

Shafee: To wish him for Hari Raya?

Shahrol: No, it was (to wish Najib) happy birthday. I don't remember any significant messages to him.

Shafee: Think carefully of your answer. Would you be surprised if we can reproduce the messages?

Shahrol: Please do!

Shafee: I am not accusing you of anything. My point is that you were on messaging mode with the prime minister.

Shahrol: I was able to message the prime minister. However, again, I was respectful that I cannot simply message him for things I believe to be correct already. At that time, I had no reason to disbelieve Jho.

Shafee: Now you have every reason?

Shahrol: Yes.

Shafee: If I were to tell you, that at that time you foolishly believed Jho, would you agree with me?

Shahrol: I would disagree.

Najib, 66, faces 25 charges in total - four for abuse of power that allegedly brought him financial benefit to the tune of RM2.3bil; and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.

He faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the sum or value of the gratification if found guilty.

The hearing continues before Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah this afternoon.