DATUK Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi received substantial benefits from his former high-paying role as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) CEO, the lawyer for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak argued in court today.
Datuk Tania Scivetti challenged Shahrol’s credibility as a prosecution witness against Najib, claiming that his appointment as 1MDB CEO came on the recommendation of now-fugitive Low Taek Jho.
She further argued that Low received over US$1.9 billion in benefits as a result of Shahrol’s signature on 1MDB documents.
“So, while the prosecution would have this court believe that Shahrol was a dutiful subordinate acting under others’ influence for the benefit of Datuk Seri Najib, the facts tell a very different story,” Scivetti said during Najib’s 1MDB trial at the High Court.
She accused Shahrol of being a “willing participant” who profited from Low’s 1MDB scheme.
Scivetti outlined the benefits Shahrol allegedly gained, including a monthly salary of RM99,000, annual salary of RM1.2 million, perks, a driver, directors’ meeting allowances, bonuses, and a RM160,000 signing bonus. She also noted that holding the prestigious position of CEO of a sovereign wealth fund enhanced Shahrol’s standing.
The defence argued that employment and related benefits fall under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act’s definition of “gratification,” meaning Shahrol did benefit from his role. Scivetti added that Low received US$1.988 billion through transactions linked to Shahrol’s signature, including US$958 million in 2012 via Aabar Investment PJS Limited and US$1.03 billion in 2009 and 2011 through Good Star Limited, a company connected to Low.
Lawyer Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin later questioned the credibility of other prosecution witnesses and argued that the prosecution had failed to prove Najib’s fourth abuse of power charge, after successfully rebutting the third. Najib faces 25 charges relating to more than RM2 billion in 1MDB funds.
The trial resumes tomorrow with Najib’s lawyers Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and Scivetti expected to continue presenting the defence. - October 27, 2025
