Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak continues to stand firm in his defense that billions of ringgit alleged to have entered his personal accounts from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds were, in fact, donations from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. Testifying in his own defense during the ongoing trial, Najib argued that accepting such gifts was ethically permissible as long as his integrity and decision-making remained unaffected.
Under cross-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar, Najib denied the necessity of disclosing these purported donations to his Cabinet. He maintained that he had informed his Cabinet “in general” about King Abdullah’s support, though not in detail, explaining that the funds were a “personal donation” intended for corporate social responsibility (CSR) purposes and to bolster his leadership.
Cabinet Declaration Not Necessary?
Najib faced questions about whether he breached the Malaysian government’s Code of Ethics for Members of the Administration, which prohibits officials from accepting gifts or rewards that could compromise their integrity. While Najib acknowledged the existence of the Code of Ethics, he interpreted its provisions differently, asserting that the prohibition only applied to gifts influencing decision-making or affecting integrity.
“I don’t agree. If the gift causes us to make decisions, then only it cannot,” Najib said, emphasizing the need to interpret the Code in its entirety rather than isolating specific phrases. He stressed that gifts could be accepted if they did not undermine his power, position, or ethical conduct.
When Kamal Baharin argued that the Code of Ethics required Najib to declare such funds to his Cabinet, Najib disagreed. He claimed there was no need to report each receipt of funds, stating, “This is a personal donation, although it is for CSR purposes.”
Questions About the Source of Donations
The trial delved deeper into the origin of the funds, with Najib reiterating his belief that the donations came directly from King Abdullah. He pointed to letters allegedly written by “Saud Abdulaziz Majid Al Saud,” a figure Najib claimed was part of the Saudi royal family. These letters, Najib insisted, bore Saudi Arabia’s emblem and contained the name “Al Saud,” both of which he argued were exclusive to the royal lineage.
Najib admitted that he never met Saud or verified his direct relationship with King Abdullah but expressed confidence that the letters were issued on the King’s instructions. He dismissed the notion that Saud might have acted independently, reasoning that it was unlikely for someone he had never met to make such significant donations without royal endorsement.
Election Fund Disclosure
Kamal Baharin also questioned Najib about whether he informed his Cabinet before and after the 2013 general election about the donations he received between 2011 and 2014. Najib claimed he could not recall specific details and would need to review the records.
Despite the scrutiny, Najib remained steadfast, denying any personal use of the funds and insisting they were legitimate donations intended for CSR and political purposes. The trial continues as prosecutors challenge his claims and interpretations of ethical guidelines.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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