1MDB trial judge knew Loo

Justice Sequerah said they had worked at the same firm

KUALA LUMPUR: Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who is the presiding judge in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial, revealed that he worked with 1MDB former general counsel Jasmine Loo 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 hearing at the High Court here yesterday.

Loo was considered a fugitive and believed to have been living overseas for years until recently, when she came under Malaysian 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 he had known Loo.

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

“I thought I (should) just disclose since her name has surfaced in the trial,” he said.

That legal firm is Zain & Co.

To Muhammad Shafee’s question, deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib replied that Loo’s statements were being recorded by the authorities presently.

The prosecution said it could not confirm whether Loo had surrendered herself or was arrested.

“The Attorney General’s Chambers has not received any investigation outcome and I cannot make the position now whether she will be called 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 lawyers, said she was willing to cooperate with the police and assist in their investigation into 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 financial benefit to the tune of RM2.28bil; and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.

The trial before Justice Sequerah continues today.