KUALA LUMPUR: Former religious affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom told the High Court that he believes the purported donation from Saudi Arabia was given to Datuk Seri Najib Razak because the kingdom was impressed with Malaysia's modern Islamic governance.
Jamil, 64, testified that Malaysia was a multiracial model country and that its strong stance of not recognising Shiah practices left a lasting impression on Saudi Arabia.
"They were impressed by us," he said here on Wednesday (Feb 11).
Jamil, who was testifying in SRC International Sdn Bhd's civil lawsuit against Datuk Seri Najib Razak over an alleged breach of fiduciary duty, was part of Najib's delegation in an unofficial meeting with Saudi ruler King Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Saud 16 years ago.
The informal meeting, held at His Majesty's palace in Riyadh on Jan 11, 2010, was part of Najib's official visit to the Middle East kingdom.
In addition to Najib and Jamil, former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman and former Malaysian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Omar Al-Saggaf were present.
However, when questioned by SRC's lawyer, Kwan Will Sen, Jamil agreed that his view that Saudi Arabia was impressed by Malaysia was purely his personal opinion.
In his witness statement, Jamil stated that many issues were discussed in the informal meeting, including an additional haj quota for Malaysians, the Arab Spring uprising, as well as funds.
After the meeting, Jamil said King Abdullah and Najib went for a walk together, away from the rest of the delegation.
As the two leaders were walking towards the centre of the hall, Jamil stated that Najib signalled to him to join them.
Jamil said he was close enough to hear the conversation between King Abdullah and Najib.
He said King Abdullah spoke in Arabic and an interpreter translated his words into English.
"If I'm not mistaken, King Abdullah mentioned that he would be sending this financial contribution not long after the meeting and that the funds would be channelled into Najib's personal account for certain reasons," Jamil said.
He stated that he understood the donation was to be sent directly to Najib to avoid complications arising from channelling the funds through a political party or other entity.
In the suit filed in 2021, SRC International and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, are seeking, among other things, a declaration that Najib is liable to them for the receipt of RM42mil.
Najib is also being sued for breach of fiduciary duties, knowing receipt of the funds, dishonest assistance, the tort of misfeasance and abuse of power.
The hearing before Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan is scheduled to resume on March 2.
