Najib's graft trial: Former 1MDB counsel Jasmine Loo expected to take the stand this month

KUALA LUMPUR: Former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) general counsel Jasmine Loo, whose testimony is highly anticipated in the corruption trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is expected to take the stand this month.

DPP Ahmad Akram Gharib told the High Court here that Loo would be subpoenaed starting Feb 13.

Loo is required to be on standby as the 49th prosecution witness, senior Supt Nur Aida Arifin of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, has not been released from the stand.

Presiding judge Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah ordered Loo to be on standby to ensure a witness is available simultaneously while the current witness is still on the stand.

"Loo is required to be on standby and if Supt Nur Aida can finish her testimony that day (Feb 13), we will continue (with Loo)," the judge said here on Monday (Feb 5).

Loo's testimony is considered vital to the trial in unveiling issues clouding Tanore Finance Corporation, the entity that transferred US$681mil into Najib's personal bank account.

On July 7 last year, Loo surrendered herself at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

She is said to be a close associate of Jho Low, who was involved in the 1MDB financial scandal.

The hearing on Monday was halted after the court was informed that Supt Nur Aida, who was supposed to resume her testimony, was absent.

DPP Ahmad Akram said the 1MDB investigating officer was unable to come to court as she was on two days' sick leave.

The court then summoned Dr K. Shanmuganathan, who issued the medical certificate to Supt Nur Aida, for clarification on her condition.

He confirmed that the witness was unfit to testify because of fever, flu and cough.

"The cough may spread to people, it's contagious. She is definitely not fit to work these two days," Dr Shanmuganathan said.

Former prime minister 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 hearing continues on Wednesday (Feb 7).