A FORMER AmBank relationship manager who handled accounts belonging to former prime minister Najib Razak today admitted in the Kuala Lumpur High Court that she had a close working relationship and friendship with fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low.

Joanna Yu Ging Ping, 51, said Jho Low would often invite her for meetings at his apartment at Jalan Kia Peng, together with several of his close associates.

The ex-banker said this when cross-examined by Najib’s lead counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah at Najib’s corruption and money laundering trial involving RM2.3 billion belonging to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The 41st prosecution witness said that she was introduced to Low by her superior Chan Wan Seong at the former’s office at the Petronas Twin Towers in 2007.

“The meetings were mainly about the Majestic Masterpiece Sdn Bhd loan,” she said, adding that Low had a habit of calling up bankers meet him at his apartment.

Majestic Masterpiece was owned by Wynton Private Equity Group and Abu Dhabi Kuwait Malaysia Investment Corporation (ADKMIC). Low was one of the directors of Wynton Private Equity Group.

When asked by Shafee if she was alone with Jho Low at any point of time, the witness said usually several officials from 1MDB and Low’s cronies would be present at the meetings.

Yu also admitted that she had meetings with Low after her office hours.

Shafee: You developed your relationship with Jho Low, I mean, as a banker and friend?

Yu: Yes.

Shafee: I’m not suggesting that you had an inappropriate relationship with Jho Low, but you had a close relationship with him, am I correct?

Yu: Yes.

Shafee: Did you go to Brazil to watch the World Cup?

Yu: I have never been to Brazil.

Shafee: Did you know Jho Low took a team of people to watch the World Cup?

Yu: I only know from the newspaper.

Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to get bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering.

The trial before judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues on Monday. – Bernama, December 8, 2022.