NAJIB Razak allegedly used RM2.6 billion in Saudi donations to finance Barisan Nasional’s 2013 election campaign as he did not want to be indebted to corporate donors, the Kuala Lumpur High Court heard today.
During re-examination by defence counsel Harvinderjit Singh, the former prime minister said he did not want “a sense of owing gratitude to anyone”.
“I was more comfortable if I did not take corporate donations.
He denied that the money was used to buy votes, saying it helped finance party “requirements”, such as events and billboards in the country’s 222 parliamentary constituencies.
The Pekan MP said the funds gave him “a sense of relief” as otherwise, he would have had to raise money via corporate figures, pointing out that this was a normal practice for his predecessors.
Najib testified that he was aware of the RM2.6 billion amount from letters from Saudi royal family representatives, and maintained that it was his belief that the money came from the late King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Saud through various channels.
He said businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, organised meetings between him and King Abdullah in Riyadh and Jeddah in 2010.
Although governments are usually the ones to arrange such meets, “I wanted to see to what extent he (Low) could play a part in arranging the meeting”, said Najib.
“Personal relationships play an important role in Saudi Arabia, perhaps more than in other countries. Jho Low volunteered to help.
“I did ask him whether he could help, which would be of great value to us. And he did play his part because I was informed that the meeting would take place earlier than expected.”
Najib faces seven charges for receiving RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd money in his account.
He previously told the court that he was manipulated by Low and others, and thought the sum was part of the Saudi donation.
The 66-year-old faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Last December, he referred to a letter dated March 1, 2013, purportedly from a legitimate representative of King Abdullah, that said he was allowed to spend the money at his “absolute discretion”.
“King Abdullah recognised that there would be a general election in 2013.
“Basically, he did not want the ill effects of the Arab Spring to spread to Malaysia, especially (because) he had a positive view of how Malaysia appeared to be a prime example of a country that practised the true meaning of Islam.” – February 4, 2020.
History, propaganda are no bedfellows
Penang Institute wants to draw locals back to lit fest
Honouring the spirit of Malaysia 1963
Umno bukan lagi pemain politik negara, kata penganalisis
Comments
Posted 6 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply
2. Comfortable for not taking corporate donations but you are totally at ease through donations as its not account for which also indicates you can used it for ever purpose even for personal used since its credited to your own personal bank account.
3. Not using proper government channel to reach for other nations than why have Wisma Putra for, its like concealing something fishy.
4. Personal relationship play an important role in Saudi Arabia, no wonder you need your wife advises on things.
5. Please swear like you did at Kg Baru mosque that the money wasnt used to buy votes.
Posted 6 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by James Wong · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply