FORMER attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali determined in early 2016 that Najib Razak had no knowledge that the RM42 million channelled into the former prime minister’s bank accounts were from SRC International, the court heard today.

When examined by lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, the 70-year-old witness explained a press statement he released on January 26, 2016 absolving Najib of wrongdoing in the case of the US$700 million (then RM2.6 billion) that was credited into his personal accounts in 2013.

“It was my understanding that he did not know about the RM42 million in his account. That was why I did not charge him,” Apandi testified at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

“I was satisfied that the money was from the Saudi royal family, after looking at all the facts and documents,” he said, adding that the he was satisfied with the loan approval process for the  Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) to lend RM4 billion to SRC International.

“I found no evidence to show that the prime minister (Najib) had committed any offence or carried out any corrupt practices. MACC also admitted that there were no evidence to show that the prime minister had committed any acts of (corruption).”

When prompted by Shafee on whether anyone had proposed to him that he covered up any criminal activities, Apandi replied: “The answer is no. I never gave any instructions on any cover ups.”

Apandi, a former Federal Court judge, currently runs a private practice. His 2016 press statement exonerating Najib followed investigations by several enforcement agencies a year prior.

Shafee reproduced the 2016 statement, which the witness read and confirmed was his.

The statement reads:

1. There is no evidence to show that YAB PM (Najib) abused his position during the cabinet meeting that approved the government guarantee for a RM4 billion loan to SRC International from KWAP;

2. The evidence shows that the loan approval process by KWAP and loan guarantee approval by the cabinet were properly done;

3. There is no evidence to show that YAB PM solicited or was promised any gratification from any party either before, during or after the cabinet decision was made;

4. The evidence as a whole does not disclose any conflict of interest on the part of YAB PM; and,

5. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission itself admitted that based on its investigation, there is no evidence from the witnesses that could show the prime minister had committed any act of corruption.

Najib faces seven criminal charges for receiving RM42 million in SRC International funds between December 2014 and February 2015. He maintains that he was under the impression that the sum came from Saudi royals.

Prosecutors have said the funds are linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd, and that Najib conspired with others to defraud the entity, including its former subsidiary, SRC International.

The trial resumes tomorrow. – March 9, 2020.