Ismee: Nik Faisal was the link between SRC and Najib

NAJIB TRIAL | Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil was the "link" between the SRC International Sdn Bhd board and then-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, the Kuala Lumpur High Court was told today.

Witness Ismee Ismail, formerly an SRC International director, said Najib served as "adviser emeritus" to SRC International and had some executive powers.

"Any decision by the board of directors must be on the advice of the adviser emeritus, which is Najib.

"All matters that require Najib's attention would be executed by only Nik Faisal, because he acted as the 'link' between the SRC International board and Najib.

"The reporting of discussions or decisions on SRC International to Najib will be performed by Nik Faisal only," he said in a witness statement that was read to the court.

He said Nik Faisal would regularly table proposals to the board for further instructions but the board would, in turn, have to seek Najib's advice as adviser emeritus.

Ismee testified that he had resigned as SRC International director on May 6, 2014, although this only took effect on Aug 15 that year.

He said that he resigned because he did not agree with how Nik Faisal was running the company, especially in terms of accounting and finances.

Ismee testified that when he raised issues with how SRC International was being governed, he said Nik Faisal would often reply that such matters had been discussed and agreed upon by the "government".

"In my opinion, the 'government' being referred to by Nik Faisal is (in fact) referring to Najib," said Ismee.

He said he was aware that Najib had the authority to hire and fire any board members.

During his time in SRC International, Ismee said his duties were to chair board meetings and study proposals from the company's management.

He testified that Nik Faisal had tabled a proposal to borrow RM2 billion from Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP) with a government guarantee during a board meeting on Aug 23, 2011. The loan was disbursed six days later.

Nik Faisal tabled another proposal to borrow RM2 billion from KWAP with a government guarantee during a board meeting on Feb 14, 2012, said Ismee. The loan was disbursed on March 28 that year.

Ismee testified that RM40 million from the loan was used to acquire property that was then sold to SRC International subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd.

"Gandingan Mentari was established with the purpose of acquiring property in the Bukit Jalil area. I am unfamiliar with the company's affairs because it is managed by Nik Faisal and Suboh (Mohd Yasin)," said Ismee. - Mkini