End of Najib’s SRC trial draws near

(feedly.com) – The high profile trial of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak involving the misappropriation of RM42mil of SRC International Sdn Bhd’s funds is nearing its end with oral submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.

The oral submissions, which have been fixed for three days starting Monday (June 1), kickstarted with the submission by one of Najib’s lawyers, Harvinderjit Singh.

The defence’s submission was split into five chapters and touched on the cause and purpose of the RM42mil transaction that made up the crux of the charges against the Pekan MP, and his belief the monies being an Arab donation, among others.

Harvinderjit said the prosecution had deviated from their original theory and built its case from Najib’s admissions during the defence.

“Their entire case was built on the cross-examination, which is not substantial evidence,” he said.

The defence trial, which started on Dec 3 last year, lasted 33 days with 19 witnesses taking the stand.

Najib, 67, was the first witness to testify in the defence trial.

His defence had largely contended that he did not know the monies originated from SRC International, a subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Other high profile witnesses were former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, former minister in the prime minister’s department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, former attorney general Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and former MACC chief commissioners Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad and Latheefa Koya.

A total of 807 exhibits were tendered in court.

The prosecution had earlier called 57 witnesses to the stand.

Najib is facing seven charges – three for criminal breach of trust, one for abuse of power and three for money laundering involving SRC International funds totalling RM42mil.

The hearing of submissions continues this afternoon before Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali.