Najib: Jho Low told me he was acting on Mid East royal member's behalf

EXCLUSIVE | He led a glamorous life, partied with Hollywood celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton, and dated Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr.

However, Penang-born Low Taek Jho made news around the globe due to his alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused the 36-year-old financier of siphoning funds from the Malaysian firm to acquire real estate and other items, including a superyacht valued at US$250 million.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini, former premier Najib Abdul Razak, who chaired 1MDB's advisory board, was questioned on the reason Low, better known as Jho Low, had such a significant role in the development fund.

"He has strategic relationships (with the leadership of several middle-east royalty) that would benefit Malaysia and it was clear he had special relationships with the leadership under (Saudi Arabia's) King Abdullah and his family and also the monarchies of certain countries especially in the UAE.

"He had somehow developed these relationships which could be of value to Malaysia. That was in that context. What he did with them and all that, that's beyond my knowledge," he said.

"It was with this context that Jho Low represented the Middle-East partners and their dealings and partnerships with 1MDB," he added.

Najib said that prior to him becoming the prime minister or 1MDB's existence, Jho Low had already taken control of three listed companies in Malaysia and had significant investments in the Iskandar Johor project with funding purportedly coming from certain Middle East countries.

"He certainly impressed many including me with his strong Middle-East connections" he added.

Najib also said it was the late King Abdullah that had given him the blessings for 1MDB to enter into a joint-venture with PetroSaudi.

"In fact, the Saudi Arabia embassy in Malaysia, as well as a major bank from there, had written letters of support for PetroSaudi," he added.

PetroSaudi was owned by Prince Turki Abdullah Al Saud was the seventh son of the then reigning King Abdullah. Prince Turki later became deputy governor and then governor of Riyadh, which is Saudi's largest province.

Aside from his explanation that these connections were beneficial to Malaysia, Najib did not elaborate.

However, Najib said the better relationship with Saudi Arabia had also helped in the consideration for Malaysia to be given a higher quota for the yearly Haj pilgrimage.

Responding to another question on whether he had communicated with Low when the allegations against the latter surfaced, the former premier replied in the affirmative but said it was some time ago.

"Yes, I did (communicate with him) and he said it was not for him. He said he was acting on a Middle-Eastern royal member's behalf. That was the response he gave," he added.

Najib said he did not ask about the Equanimity yacht at that time as he was not aware of its existence. - Mkini