I was told Jho Low was ‘hidden hand’ in 1MDB, ex-CFO tells court

 

Former 1MDB chief financial officer Azmi Tahir denies travelling in Jho Low’s private jet to watch a Brazil World Cup football match.

KUALA LUMPUR: A former 1MDB official told the abuse of power and money laundering trial of Najib Razak that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, was the “hidden hand” in the company.

Azmi Tahir, who was the chief financial officer, said he was told about Low’s purported role in 1MDB when he and then CEO Hazem Abdul Rahman met former director Ismee Ismail.

“Ismee said there are ‘hidden hands’ in all companies, and in 1MDB, it was Jho Low,” he said when cross-examined by lawyer Shafee Abdullah.

Shafee had asked Azmi a series of questions about having taken instructions from the Penang businessman during his time in 1MDB. Azmi was CFO from 2012 to 2017.

Shafee: Did you take the matter to the prime minister (Najib) directly to clarify if you should take Jho Low’s instruction?

Azmi: I did not. I thought it was not appropriate.

Azmi explained to the High Court that there was a need to “practise decorum” in dealing with individuals such as 1MDB directors. “These are ‘senior people’ (1MDB directors). What more the prime minister?” he said.

Previously, Hazem had testified that it was an “unspoken rule” in 1MDB that Low’s name should not be mentioned in any company document.

Shafee asked Azmi whether he, Hazem and Vincent Koh – a former 1MDB investment officer – had gone to watch a 2014 Brazil World Cup semi-final game with Low.

“You were travelling in Jho Low’s private jet,” Shafee said.

“I disagree,” Azmi replied.

The lawyer then asked Azmi to produce his passport so the defence could verify if he had travelled to Brazil.

“If I have my passport, I can bring it,” Azmi replied.

Shafee, who was irked by Azmi’s response, asked why he was hesitant to disclose his whereabouts.

Azmi said he had travelled on a private jet but that the trip did not involve Low. “My friend had asked me to come to Singapore,” he said.

Shafee asked who his friend was but Azmi refused to disclose the name.

Trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah then reminded Azmi that he needed to answer Shafee’s question.

“If you refuse to answer, you need to state your reasons,” Sequerah said.

Azmi replied: “I don’t want the name to come out in the news. This case is already high profile.”

Shafee then said he would pursue the passport matter when Azmi takes the stand again after the Hari Raya holidays.

Najib is standing trial on 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering over alleged 1MDB funds amounting to RM2.28 billion deposited into his AmBank accounts between February 2011 and December 2014.

The hearing continues. - FMT