KUALA LUMPUR: The RM42mil deposited into Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s personal bank accounts was not related to any Saudi donation, the former prime minister has conceded.
He made this admission under cross-examination in the High Court by SRC International Sdn Bhd’s counsel, Kwan Will Sen, in the civil suit filed against him by SRC and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd.
“At that particular time, I thought it was a Saudi donation,” said Najib.
Kwan: The truth in your mind – if I can use those words – at this moment, is that the RM42mil has nothing to do with the Saudi donation?
Najib: Based on subsequent knowledge, yes.
Earlier, Kwan asked Najib to acknowledge that his “Saudi donation” defence had been comprehensively dismissed by the courts in criminal proceedings.
Kwan: Your defence was rejected by all levels of the courts. Is that correct?
Najib: Yes, but I have to clarify because I didn’t have the opportunity to do a full explanation at the Federal Court. That’s why in the review, one of the judges – a senior judge – agreed with our position. During the review, he concluded I didn’t get a fair trial.
Kwan: All said and done, the majority finding upheld the conclusion. That is correct, isn’t it?
Najib answered, “Yes, unfortunately, yes.”
Najib also acknowledged that the High Court, in its recent 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) verdict, had ruled there was no documentary evidence to support his “Saudi donation” defence.
The 2021 civil suit seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for the RM42mil, as well as damages for knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office and abuse of power.
The hearing before Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan continues today.
