KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is the counsel of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has made known that his client continues to maintain that the RM42mil deposited into the former prime minister’s personal bank account was a donation from a Saudi monarch.
“He (Najib) answered based on the court’s decision (regarding the earlier criminal proceedings), but based on his own knowledge, he continues to believe that all the money he received – not just the RM42mil – came from Saudi Arabia.
“He never said that he had abandoned this belief,” the lawyer said, clarifying reports published on Thursday, which claimed that Najib knew the money deposited into his bank account was not from Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Shafee was speaking to reporters yesterday after the trial, Bernama reported.
Earlier, Najib told the High Court here that he never obstructed investigations by the authorities involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and SRC International Sdn Bhd cases.
He said this during re-examination by his counsel Muhammad Shafee in the RM42mil civil suit filed by SRC and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, against him.
Muhammad Shafee: Now, it is important in this context to consider how the issues involving both 1MDB and SRC became public, or rather, matters of public concern.
You remained as prime minister for the next three years until May 9, 2018. Is that correct? During the period after these matters became public, were there investigations pertaining to them?
Najib: Yes.
Muhammad Shafee: During that period, did you at any time stop or obstruct those investigations?
Najib: No.
The 2021 civil suit, filed by SRC and Gandingan Mentari, seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for the RM42mil, as well as damages for knowing receipt of funds, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office, and abuse of power.
The hearing before Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan will continue on Feb 9.
