KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the High Court today that he could be described as a “modern day Robin Hood” with how he had used the money in his AmIslamic bank accounts – which he insists were donations from the late Saudi ruler King Abdullah and not from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.
In his 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial, Najib disagreed with the prosecution’s assertion that he had misused its funds that were transferred in his private accounts for his personal benefit.
The former prime minister also disagreed that the money was illegal money.
“If the prosecution’s theory were true, I might as well be labelled a modern day Robin Hood – not enriching myself but using entrusted funds to serve the people through community programmes, welfare initiatives, and educational support.
“Unlike the fictional Robin Hood, however, I did not take unlawfully,” he said.
Najib said every ringgit he had received in his accounts and spent “was meticulously recorded and accounted for” to benefit Malaysians.
According to Najib, he had spent millions of ringgit in his AmIslamic accounts based on his genuine belief that those were donations from King Abdullah for political and corporate social responsibility purposes.
He also blamed Penang-born businessman Low Taek Jho – popularly known as Jho Low – as the “mastermind” behind the theft of billions from 1MDB.
He added that he had been cheated by Low.
Najib claimed that Low is among several individuals who had used 1MDB funds for their personal benefit, describing him as the “mastermind behind the misappropriation of billions from 1MDB” and “someone I trusted, as did many others, including my family”.
“He presented himself as a charismatic and capable individual, earning the confidence of dignitaries, high-ranking officials, and even global financiers,” he said.
Najib said Low was like a “social chameleon” who could navigate diverse circles featuring those such as the Middle Eastern royalty, Malaysian royalty and Hollywood celebrities.
“In hindsight, now I know that Jho Low’s ability to adapt and appear credible was his greatest weapon, deceiving not only me but many others,” he said.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Jho Low was like a ‘social chameleon’ who could navigate diverse circles featuring those such as the Middle Eastern royalty, Malaysian royalty and Hollywood celebrities. — Picture via Facebook
Najib accused Low of having orchestrated an elaborate scheme against 1MDB with the help of individuals such as 1MDB officials and complicit bankers.
“It was with their assistance that Jho Low was able to amass billions of dollars which rightfully belonged to the people of Malaysia.
“It is disturbing to me that Jho Low siphoned off these funds to finance his extravagant lifestyle,” Najib said, before listing Low as having bought “luxury properties in London, New York and Singapore; mega yachts, private jets, and even masterpieces of art”.
“His ostentatious displays of wealth, funded by the misappropriation of Malaysia’s resources, is indeed deeply disturbing and represents the ultimate betrayal,” he said.
Najib said it was alarming that Low has yet to be located and brought to justice, saying: “Despite years of investigations and numerous efforts, Jho Low remains at large, living as a fugitive and enjoying the proceeds of his crimes.”
“I would like to add that during my time as the prime minister of this nation, I was surrounded by individuals who, as it now appears, exploited my trust and their positions for personal gain,” he said.
Claiming that the “real culprits” including Low remain free, Najib said it was “unfair” that he is in court bearing the weight of the crimes of those he called the “true architects” of the massive 1MDB fraud.
He claimed that there was “selective prosecution” as he is allegedly facing charges for routine official acts, while others who played central roles in the misappropriation of billions from 1MDB have walked off scot-free.
Maintaining his innocence in the 1MDB case, Najib claimed that all his actions was based on his performing of his official duties and responsibilities as the prime minister and finance minister with honest intent, and was guided by his genuine belief that he was serving Malaysians.
Najib finished reading his witness statement of more than 500 pages today, but his lawyer Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin told the court that another 130 pages has been added.
The 1MDB trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah resumes tomorrow, with Najib to begin reading the extra 130 pages of his witness statement.
