KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here was told today that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had issued 38 cheques for RM8.4 million from his personal account as payment to 18 individuals, six political entities and six companies between 2011 and 2012.
AmBank (M) Berhad senior manager (Cheque Processing Centre Division) Badrul Hisam Mohamad, 48, said among the individual recipients of the cheques were former Land and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam and former Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, each amounting to RM100,000.
The 36th prosecution witness confirmed that the cheques to six companies totalled RM1,428,250; five UMNO branches and divisions (RM4,670,000); Tun Razak Barisan Nasional branch (RM200,000) and RM2,107,600 were the total value of the cheques issued to 18 individuals were from Najib's personal AmBank account ending with number 694.
"Datuk Seri Najib issued a cheque that was paid to Pekan UMNO amounting to RM200,000, Pekan UMNO Wanita (RM170,000), Selangor UMNO Wanita (RM1.9 million), Selangor UMNO (RM2 million), Machang UMNO (RM400,000) and Tun Razak Barisan Nasional Division (RM200,000).
"Among the companies that received the cheques from Datuk Seri Najib are Qalif Umar Creative (RM130,000), Semarak Konsortium Satu Sdn Bhd (RM274,750), Gading Emas Management Services (RM50,000), Fanisa Consultancy And Services (RM95,000) ) and Two One Holidays Malaysia Sdn Bhd (RM178,000)," he said.
Badrul Hisam said this when reading out his witness statement during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Deepa Nair Thevaharan in the Pekan MP's trial over the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Referring to the scanned copies of the cheques by AmIslamik Bank Berhad Jalan Raja Chulan Branch for Najib's account which ended with the number 694, Badrul Hisam said he was able to identify Najib's signature because the signature was recorded in the Signature Database System (SDS) which he had to refer to for comparison and verification purposes.
Meanwhile, when cross-examined by lawyer Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed, representing Najib, the witness said that the bank would contact the customer to confirm the transaction if the payment for a cheque issued amounted to more than RM20,000.
"We, at the Cheque Processing Division, do not make the call personally, but the officers at the AmBank branch will decide they will contact the customer directly or through the Relationship Manager who handles the customer's account," he said.
Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Sep 07 2022
Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount. - 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.