PAC trial: 1MDB's two different financial statements described as ‘dangerous’ evidence

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court was told that the former chief secretary to the government had described the two differing financial statements from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) as “dangerous evidence”.

The description came from Tan Sri Ali Hamsa, and he was heard saying “a very dangerous material evidence" over an audio recording that was played in court, purportedly of a meeting on Feb 24,2016, that discussed the amendments of the 1MDB audit report.

Retired audit director Saadatul Nafisah Bashir Ahmad, 65, was asked about the audio recording during an examination-in-chief by DPP Ahmad Akram Gharib.

She was testifying at the joint trial of Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former 1MDB CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy, dubbed as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) trial here Monday (Jan 13).

Ahmad Akram: Ali was heard saying, “A very dangerous material evidence”. What does he refer to?

Saadatul Nafisah: We have the evidence of the two (differing) financial statements.

Ahmad Akram: And that is the dangerous material?

Saadatul Nafisah: Yes, and we can prove that there are two statements.

The court had earlier heard testimony that two conflicting versions of the 1MDB financial statements for the year 2014 were among four issues removed from the 1MDB audit report.

Najib is accused of using his position to order amendments to the 1MDB final audit report before it was tabled to the PAC to avoid any action against him.

He allegedly committed the offence in Putrajaya between Feb 22 and 26,2016.

Arul Kanda was charged with abetting Najib at the same place and time.

The hearing continues before Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan Tuesday (Jan 14).