The High Court in Kuala Lumpur heard that Datuk Seri Najib Razak was fully aware of the status of his personal AmBank accounts and actively relied on them to issue cheques, according to testimony presented in the RM42 million civil suit linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Former AmBank relationship manager Joanna Yu Ging Ping testified that Najib’s financial dealings were closely monitored and managed, with fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, widely known as Jho Low, acting as an intermediary to ensure transactions went through. Yu, who handled Najib’s accounts between 2011 and 2015, said Jho Low frequently contacted her to check whether the accounts were overdrawn, particularly when large cheques had been issued.
During re-examination by SRC International’s counsel, Yu confirmed that messages sent by Jho Low asking about account balances were understood to be instructions originating from Najib himself. She explained that only Najib had the authority to sign cheques on those accounts, indicating that he was aware of their use and depended on them for payments. The court was told that Jho Low’s communications were meant to ensure sufficient funds were available so that issued cheques would not be dishonoured.
Yu also agreed that Najib had effectively relied on Jho Low to liaise with the bank on his behalf, not only for cheques but also to ensure credit card transactions linked to the accounts were successfully processed. This, she said, reflected an active awareness of the accounts rather than passive ownership.
Under questioning by Najib’s counsel during re-examination, Yu acknowledged that at the time she believed funds entering the accounts were donations, as represented to her by Jho Low. She explained that the bank accepted incoming remittances and over-the-counter cash deposits in good faith, supported by letters claiming the monies were donations. However, she added that over time, particularly with repeated cash deposits, uncertainty arose about the true nature of the funds.
The civil suit, filed in 2021 by SRC International and its subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, seeks a court declaration that Najib is liable for RM42 million allegedly misappropriated. The plaintiffs are also pursuing damages for claims including knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office, and abuse of power.
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