Malaysia

Najib denies obstructing investigations into 1MDB and SRC

The former prime minister said this during re-examination by his counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, in the RM42 million civil suit filed by SRC and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, against him.

Updated 7 months ago · Published on 23 Jan 2026 6:10PM

Najib denies obstructing investigations into 1MDB and SRC
The hearing before Justice Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan will continue on Feb 9 - January 23, 2026

DATUK Seri Najib Razak told the High Court today that he never obstructed investigations by the authorities involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and SRC International Sdn Bhd cases.

The former prime minister said this during re-examination by his counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, in the RM42 million civil suit filed by SRC and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, against him.

Muhammad Shafee: Now, it is important in this context to consider how the issues involving both 1MDB and SRC became public, or rather, matters of public concern.

You remained as prime minister for the next three years until May 9, 2018. Is that correct? During the period after these matters became public, were there investigations pertaining to them?

Najib: Yes.

Muhammad Shafee: During that period, did you at any time stop or obstruct those investigations?

Najib: No.

The 2021 civil suit, filed by SRC and Gandingan Mentari, seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for the RM42 million, as well as damages for knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office, and abuse of power.

The hearing before Justice Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan will continue on Feb 9, reported Bernama.

At a press conference after the trial today, Muhammad Shafee clarified reports published yesterday, which claimed that Najib knew the money deposited into his bank account was not from Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad Shafee emphasised that his client continues to maintain that the RM42 million deposited into his personal bank account was a donation from a Saudi monarch.

“He (Najib) answered based on the court’s decision (regarding the earlier criminal proceedings), but based on his own knowledge, he continues to believe that all the money he received – not just the RM42 million — came from Saudi Arabia. He never said that he had abandoned this belief,” the lawyer said. — January 23, 2026

Related News

Opinion / 1w

The Mecca Accord - Where ambition meets reality in a fractured region

Malaysia / 3w

Najib raises objections to 80% of ex-1MDB CEO’s witness statement over hearsay

Malaysia / 3w

US$620 million returned, not to Najib's account - Angela

Malaysia / 1mth

Shafee seeks to strike out parts of Tony Pua's statement

Malaysia / 1mth

Najib must be held accountable for 1MDB's US$5.6 billion loss -  lawyer

Opinion / 1mth

An open letter to voters of Negeri Sembilan

Spotlight

Malaysia

Penang CM defends move by housing board, says enforcement is last resort

By Ian McIntyre

World

Anak Krakatau’s six eruptions recorded

Malaysia

Delivery rider's compassion turns RM14.50 meal into wave of public generosity

Malaysia

Sanusi’s gambling stance puts PAS manifesto under scrutiny

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Zahid’s game plan is opening up

Malaysia

Chew Jetty fire: Business owners lose everything in the blink of an eye

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

SMART Team leaves for Nepal today as search for 55 Malaysians continues

Diary

Mother Teresa - one of the foremost humanitarian figures of the 20th century died today, 29 years ago

You may be interested

Malaysia

SSM warns NGOs against collecting public donations without approval

Malaysia

Puteri Umno distances itself from viral Threads post

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Mount Anak Krakatau eruption: Major carriers, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia cancel, reschedule flights

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Sanusi’s gambling stance puts PAS manifesto under scrutiny

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

PAS calls Unity Government unstable, demands Parliament dissolution

Malaysia

Jokowi calls for strong, people-centred leadership to navigate global uncertainty

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Zahid: No PM candidate talks until parliament dissolved

Malaysia

API readings in Serian improve, Kuching, Sri Aman now in very unhealthy level