Senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is defending former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in his RM2.28 billion 1MDB trial, is unfazed by the prosecution mulling over to call Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz as a witness.
Shafee (above) said it was the truthful statement of Riza that helped his case and it can likewise help Najib, who is his stepfather.
Shafee was referring the Riza securing a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for his money-laundering charges involving US$248 million (RM1.07 billion) linked to 1MDB.
"I think it's okay with us. Because if you call Riza Aziz (to testify), Riza will just tell the truth.
"The truth was what helped Riza's case and the truth of Riza's testimony will help my client's case.
"Riza has given so many statements, he can't give a different statement (in Najib's case)," he told the press after the first day of the resumption of Najib's court trial following a long postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In court earlier today, lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram informed the court that Riza had indicated readiness to testify in Najib's case and the prosecution may consider calling him.
Najib is facing 25 charges of money-laundering and abuse of power over a sum of RM2.28 billion originating from 1MDB.
Riza was granted a DNAA in his own 1MDB-linked money laundering case on May 14 after securing a plea bargain.
The MACC said the deal was a conditional release where the prosecution reserved the right to reinstate the charges if there is no satisfactory completion of an agreement which entailed Riza paying a certain sum.
"As a result, the Malaysian government is expected to recover overseas assets involved in the offence, which is estimated at US$107.3 million (RM465.3 million).
"Based on the agreement, the accused is required to pay a compound to the government under Section 92 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 which is punitive as an alternative to the charges that have been brought against him," it said.
Shafee said he believed the DNAA was granted to Riza in "good faith".
Riza was accused of using 1MDB-linked funds to produce Hollywood films, including the Academy Awards-nominated The Wolf of Wall Street through his firm Red Granite Pictures.
Red Granite had since entered into a settlement with the US government which was seeking to forfeit the proceeds from the film which it said was produced using illegal funds.
Red Granite reached a settlement to the tune of US$60 million without any admission of guilt.
The money was subsequently returned to the Malaysian government.
Shafee maintained that the money Riza used to make the films were "loans". - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.