FORMER AmBank Islamic Bhd relationship manager Joanna Yu has applied to strike out Najib Razak’s civil suit against her and AmBank.

“We got served yesterday,” said Najib’s counsel Farhan Shafee today after case management before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid.

Yu, a crucial witness in the SRC International trial, is filing on grounds that Najib abused the court process. She was represented today by Jessica Ram Binwani, while Samuel Tan appeared for AmBank.

Further case management has been set for February 4.

In his suit filed last month, Najib claimed that his AmBank accounts ending with 694, 880, 898 and 906 were managed without his knowledge.

In his statement of claim, he accused AmBank and Yu of breaching their duties and being negligent in affairs concerning the accounts. Najib also claimed information was disclosed to fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low.  

Najib, who is facing three ongoing criminal trials, also accused Low of ensuring that banking information was kept from the former prime minister.

Najib is seeking special, general, aggravated and exemplary damages, and interest on all amounts to be assessed by the court.

Yu’s motion to strike claimed Najib’s suit was also to bolster the Pekan MP’s defence.

“We are of the position that the court needs to hear it (Najib’s suit),” said Farhan, adding that Najib’s legal team will respond to Yu’s application.

Najib’s SRC International trial will resume on February 3, where he will conclude his cross-examination.

Fifty-seven prosecution witnesses have testified. The 66-year-old accused is expected to call about a dozen witnesses for the defence stage. – January 29, 2020.