Ex-1MDB lawyer Jasmine Loo on standby to testify soon

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

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib told the High Court that Loo would be subpoenaed starting Feb 13.

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

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

“Loo is required to be on standby and if Nur Aida can finish her testimony that day, we will continue (with Loo),” the judge said here yesterday.

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, 2023, Loo surrendered herself at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

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

The hearing yesterday was halted after the court was informed that Nur Aida, who was supposed to resume her testimony, could not turn up.

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

The court then summoned Dr K. Shanmuganathan, who had issued the MC to Nur Aida, for clarification on her condition and MC.

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

“The cough may spread to people, it’s contagious.

“She is definitely not fit to work these two days,” said Dr Shanmuganathan.

The doctor said he had prescribed medication for the patient and that she would need two days to recover.

Justice Sequerah then vacated the hearing for Monday and Tuesday.

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 resumes tomorrow.