The defence in the case of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s SRC International Sdn Bhd trial today insisted that the former premier had no knowledge that the RM42 million that was transferred into his personal accounts was from the company.
Lawyer Harvinderjit Singh said one of the prosecution witnesses, namely former SRC International director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin had testified that he only followed instructions from former SRC International chief executive officer (CEO) Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil to sign the cheque for the purpose of transferring money into Najib’s personal accounts.
He said this during the hearing of the oral submission at the end of the defence case today.
Harvinderjit further submitted the prosecution has not been able to prove that the accused had control in the transfer of RM42 million in funds alleged to be from SRC International, into his accounts.
“The prosecution had changed their axis that the accused had given the task to put RM42 million of SRC International money into his personal bank account to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, his former principal private secretary, the late Datuk Azlin Alias, and Nik Faisal.
The lawyer further argued the charges framed on Najib were that he had allegedly committed criminal breach of trust (CBT) of RM42 million but the charges did not state conspiracy.
“So what happened was that the prosecution tailored their case. They built the entire case around that fact, making it a departure from the three criminal breach of trust (CBT) charges levelled against Najib,” said the lawyer.
Harvinderjit also said that the prosecution could not conclusively prove that his client had knowledge that the RM42 million came from SRC International.
“There is evidence to support Najib's belief and state of knowledge that the funds in his account, at that material time, were donations made to him by the Arab royalty," he said.
He further said the evidence did not establish the existence of any particular act of Najib which led to or caused the RM42 million transactions, and therefore did not prove any misappropriation by the former premier.
“This is not a case of RM42 million in the accused's account. Jho Low moved the money out of SRC without being in the company. You cannot say that the accused committed the crime with other people," the lawyer said.
The defence's submission was split into five chapters and touched on the cause and purpose of the RM42 million transaction that made up the crux of the charges against the Pekan MP, and his belief on the monies being an Arab donation, among others.
The defence will continue their submissions before Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali tomorrow.
Najib is facing seven charges of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd funds, comprising three counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT), three counts of money laundering and one count of abuse of position in relation to the SRC funds.
The Pekan MP was charged with committing the offences at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Ambank Group Building, No 55, Jalan Raja Chulan here and at the Prime Minister's Office, Precinct 1, Putrajaya between Aug 17, 2011 and March 2, 2015.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jun 01 2020
The defence in the case of Najib Razak's SRC International said the former premier had no knowledge of RM42 mil SRC money in his accounts. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.