They must have strong evidence to arrest Najib, says ex-Felda chairman


Muzliza Mustafa

Former Felda chairman Shahrir Abdul Samad says the arrest of former prime minister Najib Razak must be based on solid evidence. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, July 3, 2018.

FORMER Felda chairman Shahrir Abdul Samad, who was questioned for almost seven hours at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters today, seemed unsurprised by the arrest of Najib Razak.

However, he said, the arrest must be made based on solid evidence.

“They must have strong evidence to arrest him,” Shahrir said at the MACC headquarters this afternoon.

He showed up at 9.40am to give his statement on the RM1 million he had received from the former prime minister, with the amount said to have come from 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

He said he will wait for more information on Najib’s arrest before commenting further.

“We will respect the law, and I think Umno members are calm and we are law-abiding citizens.”

Shahrir also confirmed that his personal account was among the 408 bank accounts that have been frozen by the authorities in their probe into 1MDB.

Also frozen was Johor Umno’s account.

“It should be legal (the funding) as it’s a political donation. I asked for funds from the president at the time (Najib) to assist me in my political activities.”

On the call by MACC chief Mohd Shukri Abdull for those who had received 1MDB funds to return them, Shahrir said he has yet to be ordered to do so.

“They have not asked me to do anything. We will wait and see.”

Shahrir was the first person to be questioned by MACC today.

Newly elected Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived 10 minutes after Shahrir did this morning.

Also questioned today is Najib’s stepson, Riza Aziz. The 48-year-old film producer arrived at 1.30pm, and has yet to leave the headquarters at press time. – July 3, 2018.


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Comments


  • Najib is innocent until proven guilty says his supporters, and indeed he has consistently maintained he has done no wrong which even the then AG and then IGP agrees. How can we fault him when people wants shower him with expensive gifts as a sign of gratitude for his immeasurable contributions to the country and the world. As Finance Minister, he has dutifully signed all the cheques in good faith believing the respective board of directors have vetted each payment with no "comebacks". Everything is above board as Zeti of BNM is well aware of all the ins and outs of UMNO's donations. The culture of hoarding UMNO's cash in the PM's house has been a practice from the days of Tun Dr Mahathir and is not considered haram. And Rose invested some of the cash in designer bags and jewelries to help offset the ringgit's depreciation. She is truly brilliant.

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

    • You mean Najib is a chameleon until proven otherwise. Before being defeated, he chose to eliminate or harass those who dared to show info in the slightest disagreement with him that everything is well. After being defeated, he blamed others for holding back the info or he feigned ignorance. Whatever, the Billion Ringgit Greedy Man is not fit to be PM with his changing colours to fool people! That's why there is a saying: You can fool some of the people (like Roger 5201) some of the time but not all of the people all of the time.

      Posted 5 years ago by Jesse Lingard · Reply

  • Tangkap semua penyangak dan pencuri wang Rakyat dari UMNO BN.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tam Yan Cheng · Reply

  • Have to be instructed to return the money??? Where's the conscience? None???

    Posted 5 years ago by CR RC · Reply

  • Did the MACC find strong evidence against you? Just asking.

    Posted 5 years ago by Henry Mancini Jr · Reply

  • Once he is behind bars there is going to be a whole lot of singing. Not to mention back stabbing and a few Houdini maneuvers.

    Posted 5 years ago by Richard Chapbell · Reply

  • BRING OUT THE FIREWORKS. LET'S HAVE A PARTY!!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Bob Hangguk · Reply

  • Now that he has been arrested. should the public continue to persecute Najib?
    The rule of law should take its place. It's gonna be a long and painful journey to all involved.
    So let's sit back and follow the drama for next few years.

    Posted 5 years ago by Guna segar · Reply