Najib Abdul Razak’s former speech writer testified that he received over RM22 million from the former prime minister, via 39 cheques, over a three-year period from 2011 to 2014.
Semarak Konsortium Satu Sdn Bhd founder Mohd Omar Mustapha testified before the High Court in Kuala Lumpur that he received the cheques personally signed by Najib during face-to-face meetings at the then-finance minister’s office between March 2011 to April 2014.
During today’s RM2.28 billion 1MDB corruption trial against Najib, 45th prosecution witness Omar (above) testified that his company was paid the amount for service of English speech writing and international media-related work.
“For the years beginning March 2011 until April 2014 over a three-year period, my company Semarak Konsortium Satu was involved in the provision of international media teams and English speech writing for Najib.
“Over that period, I, on behalf of the company, received payments from Najib for RM22,981,688 via 39 cheques between March 3, 2011, until April 23, 2014, for the services rendered,” Omar said during examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor, Najwa Bistamam.
The witness said that he offered the company’s services to Najib in March 2011 and the then-premier agreed, with both agreeing there was no need for a written contract over the matter.
“I also believe that Najib has confidence in me over the matter because I used to act as his chief special officer between 2004 and 2006 when he was holding the position of deputy prime minister, whereby he knew of my capabilities,” Omar said.
During cross-examination by lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, the witness reiterated that the transactions between the company and Najib did not trigger any red flags from the authorities.
“I see (met) the prime minister in his office every month for three years. I received cheques, not cash in bags. I cashed the cheques in my corporate account for three years without exception or questions from the bank and no red flags at all,” Omar told Najib’s counsel.
During re-examination by deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, the witness explained that the 39 cheques were unnamed cheques, which did not bear the printed name of Najib.
Omar said such cheques are normally used by clients in the line of private banking work, and that Najib signed all the cheques during their meetings.
The trial before Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues today.
Najib is facing four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.28 billion from 1MDB.
For the four abuse of power charges, he allegedly committed the offences at AmIslamic Bank Bhd’s Jalan Raja Chulan branch in Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur, between Feb 24, 2011, and Dec 19, 2014.
On the 21 money laundering counts, the accused is alleged to have committed the offences at the same bank between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.
1MDB was a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund fully owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc).
Najib had also served as the chairperson of 1MDB’s board of advisors. - Mkini
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