KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial got off to a fiery start this morning with the former prime minister’s lead counsel and former finance minister II Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah getting into a heated argument over how the latter dealt with documents related to 1MDB.
The exchange began when Husni, the 20th prosecution witness, repeatedly answered that all 1MDB documents were handled by Najib and he was just following orders, using the phrase “Saya yang menurut perintah” (I who obey orders).
The veteran lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who was clearly irritated by the witness’ answer, asked him to explain what he meant.
Husni: That is what I have explained to you... you listen carefully. All 1MDB letters went to the minister. I just have to sign... saya yang menurut perintah… what else can I do? These two projects, namely, 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd, did not follow the standard operating procedures for companies under the Finance Ministry. It all came from the top... you didn’t work there, you don’t know anything.
Shafee: That is why I am asking you… you are the one who knows.
Husni: Then you must understand what I am saying.
Shafee: I understand what you said. Don’t quarrel with me, I am the one asking questions.
Husni: I am not quarrelling with you.
Shafee: You are quarrelling! Just answer the question, don’t be arrogant.
Husni: I am not arrogant!
Shafee: You are arrogant!
At this juncture, judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah interjected and asked the witness to answer the question posed by Shafee.
To this, the witness countered: “Your Honour, he is trying to put the blame on other people.”
Judge Sequerah: He has a duty to perform.
Husni: Even if it’s a duty, he should at least be honest.
To this, Judge Sequerah said the prosecution will definitely give the witness the opportunity to argue later and that he needs not worry about that.
Najib, 68, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial continues. – Bernama, June 22, 2022
