1MDB trial: Presiding judge admits to working with 1MDB's former general counsel over a decade ago

^{KUALA LUMPUR: Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who is the presiding judge in Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial, has revealed that he had worked with 1MDB former general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan in a legal firm at least a decade ago.}

Justice Sequerah, who is now a Court of Appeal judge, disclosed the past connection to parties in the trial when Loo's name was brought up in the RM2.28bil 1MDB trial here on Wednesday (July 26).

Loo was considered a fugitive until recently as she was now under police custody.

At the outset of the proceedings, Najib's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah asked the prosecution team whether they would call Loo as a prosecution witness or offer her as a defence witness.

Justice Sequerah then interjected and said that he had known Loo many years ago.

"Since the issue has been raised, I would just disclose to parties that the same individual (Loo) and myself were partners, formerly in a legal firm (Zain & Co) many years back... maybe 10 to 15 years ago.

"I thought I just disclosed since her name has surfaced in the trial," he said.

To Muhammad Shafee's question, DPP Ahmad Akram replied that Loo's statements were being recorded by the authorities at the time being.

However, the prosecution could not confirm whether Loo surrendered herself or was arrested.

"The Attorney General Chambers (AGC) has not received any investigation outcome and I cannot make the position now whether she will be called (as a prosecution witness) or not.

"This is our stand at the moment. Once we receive the outcome of the investigation, I will get instructions from my bosses whether to call her or not," said DPP Ahmad Akram.

On July 12, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that Loo was arrested by police on July 7 to assist in the investigation into the misappropriation of 1MDB funds.

He added that Loo, through her lawyer, was said to be willing to cooperate and assist the police investigation in the 1MDB case, according to Section 409 of the Penal Code.

Najib, 70, is on trial for 25 charges in total - four for abuse of power that allegedly brought him the financial benefit to the tune of RM2.28bil; and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.

The trial continues before Justice Sequerah.