Najib's ex-aide led MACC to raid on Jho Low's apartment

NAJIB TRIAL | The MACC's raid on fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho's apartment at 3 Kia Peng in Kuala Lumpur was based on information provided by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's ex-aide Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin.

Testifying during Najib's 1MDB graft trial, Amhari told the High Court that he had led the MACC to Low's apartment unit on June 27, 2018.

This came less than a week after he was arrested by the MACC at his home shortly after returning from a trip to Cambodia.

Amhari, under cross-examination by lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, had presented the witness with a series of photographs of the raid. Amhari was also in the photographs.

Shafee had questioned Amhari whether it was he who alerted the MACC to a safe in Low's apartment located under a table or whether the MACC found it on their own.

"If I can recall, the procedure was for the witness to be present whenever the safe is opened.

"I think it's the protocol they have. I was seated at the dining table until and when my presence is needed," he said.

Amhari (photo) further testified that he was unsure if a locksmith was called but the safe was eventually opened.

Shafee: What was discovered?

Amhari: I think money.

Shafee: Is that in (picture) A8?

Amhari: I think so.

Shafee: Did they count in front of you?

Amhari: They showed me the bundle.

Shafee: Did they count?

Amhari: No.

Shafee also walked Amhari through pictures of Low's kitchen which was doubled up into an office space.

The witness had previously testified that he met Low in this area where the businessperson would explain to him complex deals on an electronic whiteboard.

Amhari had testified that he had gone to Low's house a couple of times but Shafee questioned if this was true, claiming that Amhari went there regularly.

However, Amhari denied this.

Najib is standing trial for 25 charges of money laundering and abuse of power over the alleged misappropriation of RM2.28 billion from 1MDB.

The trial is being presided over by Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah. - Mkini