Najib held the power in 1MDB, says Ahmad Husni

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision-making power in 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was in the hands of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the High Court was told.

Former second finance minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said this when asked during re-examination by lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram here on Thursday (June 23).

Sri Ram: As far as 1MDB is concerned, did you have any decision-making power in 1MDB?

Ahmad Husni: No.

Sri Ram: To the best of your knowledge, who had the decision power?

Ahmad Husni: Najib.

The prosecutor then asked Ahmad Husni if Najib had ever made it clear that he was the one in control.

Ahmad Husni replied that when he had raised his concerns about the joint venture (JV) between 1MDB and oil and gas company PetroSaudi International (PSI) Ltd, Najib had told him "not to interfere".

The witness said the concerns were due to the lack of oil wells in the project, among others.

"I told him 'you shouldn't' (do the JV).

"Firstly there was no oil well yet. If there is no petrol, you lose the investment.

"Secondly, 1MDB had no experience in oil and gas and we should let Petronas do it," Ahmad Husni said.

According to the witness, Najib responded with "you (Ahmad Husni) don't interfere any more with 1MDB".

"It showed the power was with him, there was no discussion," Ahmad Husni added.

Najib is on trial for 25 charges in total – four for abuse of power that allegedly brought him financial benefit to the tune of RM2.28bil and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.

The hearing continues before Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah Thursday afternoon.