KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court ruled that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak displayed “wilful blindness” by failing to investigate the sources of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
Responsibilities Highlighted by the Judge
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, now a Court of Appeal judge, emphasized the substantial sums involved. Specifically, he mentioned US$681 million deposited and US$620 million returned. He stated it was Najib’s duty to verify whether these funds were linked to illegal activities.
“The actions of receiving, using, and transferring funds allow us to infer knowledge of all 21 money laundering charges against the accused,” the judge remarked in his 41-page summary judgment.
Charges Against Najib
Previously, Justice Sequerah required Najib, 71, to defend himself against four charges. These charges relate to using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in gratification from 1MDB. Additionally, the judge found a prima facie case for the 21 money laundering charges linked to the same funds.
Evidence of Misconduct
Furthermore, the judge noted that the US$681 million came from Tanore Finance Corporation’s account at Falcon Private Bank in Singapore. This amount was later transferred to Najib’s account.
Links to Illicit Activity
Moreover, “There is evidence showing that the accused utilized funds from illegal activities to make payments to individuals and entities, including Umno,” the judge stated. He also noted that Najib controlled the accounts at AmIslamic Bank. Despite appointing Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil as the mandate holder, Najib claimed to have knowledge of the transactions.
Testimonies Presented
In addition, former Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz testified that Najib asked her to confirm he had done nothing wrong. Also, Joanna Yu Ging Ping, a former Ambank relationship manager, discussed Jho Low’s role in ensuring sufficient funds in Najib’s account.
Tracing the Funds
Finally, the judge explained that ACP Foo Wei Min detailed the method used to trace the US$680 million deposited into Najib’s account. This process helped distinguish between legitimate and illegal funds. “Based on the evidence, this court concludes that the properties involved resulted from unlawful activities,” he stated.
