PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the High Court here that not a single sen from 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) coffers was spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to benefit him or boost his image.
The former prime minister said he was only carrying out his official duties as the country's premier and that the source of the funds was a donation from the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Najib was under cross-examination by DPP Kamal Bahrin Omar in the RM2.28bil 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial which convened in Putrajaya here on Tuesday (Jan 14).
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Najib was asked about several cheques issued in August 2013 which he had claimed were for CSR purposes for the public.
The cheques totalled RM22.65mil and comprised: RM20mil to Umno, RM100,000 to the Batu Kawan Umno division, RM246,000 to one Lim Soon Peng, RM2mil to ORB Solutions Sdn Bhd, and RM303,000 to Semarak Konsortium Satu Sdn Bhd.
DPP Kamal suggested that the disbursement of monies had personally benefitted Najib.
DPP Kamal: It boosted your image as the (then) Umno president who is able to give the aid.
Najib: Disagree.
The prosecution then queried Najib on payments to ORB Solutions (social media management), Semarak Konsortium (for speechwriting services) and Lim (managing Najib's "Ah Jib Gor" Facebook page).
ALSO READ: Najib's 1MDB trial: Saudi letters are 'bogus', prosecution claims
DPP Kamal said these payments were linked to Najib's personal interest as they boosted his image with the Chinese community.
Najib agreed that the Facebook page was crucial to engagement with the community but maintained that what he did was consistent with the Arab donation letters he received.
DPP Kamal argued that the Prime Minister's Office could have managed Najib's social media to boost his image.
Najib replied that the task required specific expertise.
DPP Kamal: How about speechwriting? Can’t PMO officers draft speeches for you?
Najib: I need those with high proficiency in English. It was hard to find at that time.
Najib also disagreed with the suggestion that the funds for the outsourced work came from illegal means.
On Oct 30, Najib was ordered by the High Court to enter his defence on four counts of using his position to obtain RM2.28bil gratification from 1MDB's funds and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount.
The hearing continues before Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah in the afternoon.
