Judge’s Ruling on Najib’s 1MDB Case Highlights Wilful Blindness
The High Court ruled that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was “wilfully blind” in failing to inquire about the origins
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court ruled that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was “wilfully blind” in failing to inquire about the origins of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
Judge’s Statements on Financial Responsibility
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, now on the Court of Appeal, emphasized that Najib should have investigated the large sums involved. Specifically, he referenced US$681 million deposited and US$620 million returned to Najib’s account. The judge stated that Najib needed to confirm whether these funds came from illegal sources.
Implications of Najib’s Actions
“The actions of receiving, using, and transferring the proceeds support a reasonable inference of the accused’s knowledge regarding all 21 money laundering charges,” the judge asserted in his comprehensive 41-page judgment.
Charges Against Najib
Earlier, Justice Sequerah ordered Najib, 71, to present his defense against four charges. These charges involve using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in gratification from 1MDB. As a result, the judge established a prima facie case for all 25 charges.
Evidence of Control and Misconduct
Furthermore, the judge noted that evidence showed the US$681 million transferred from Tanore Finance Corporation’s account at Falcon Private Bank in Singapore went directly to Najib’s account.
“There is proof that the accused used funds from illicit activities to make payments to various individuals and entities, including Umno,” he stated. Additionally, the judge pointed out that Najib controlled accounts at AmIslamic Bank, even after appointing Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil as the mandate holder.
Testimonies Presented
In addition, Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, the former Bank Negara governor, testified that Najib sought her assurance that he had done nothing wrong. Moreover, former Ambank relationship manager Joanna Yu provided details about Jho Low’s involvement with Najib’s account.
Tracing the Funds
Finally, the judge explained that ACP Foo Wei Min demonstrated how to trace the US$680 million deposited into Najib’s account. This process helped differentiate between legitimate and illicit funds. Ultimately, “based on the evidence, the court finds that these properties stem from unlawful activity,” he concluded.
