Ex-Minister Testifies He Overheard Saudi Monarch’s Donation Pledge to Najib During 2010 Riyadh Visit
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 — The High Court today heard evidence from a former Cabinet member who claimed he personally overheard a pledge of financial assistance allegedly made by Saudi Arabia’s late ruler to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a meeting in Riyadh in early 2010.
Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, formerly minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), told the court that the conversation occurred on January 11, 2010, at the palace of the late King Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.
According to his testimony, the matter was discussed during what he described as an informal engagement between Najib and King Abdullah. Also present at the palace were former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Malaysia’s then ambassador to Saudi Arabia Prof Datuk Syed Omar Al-Saggaf, and the King’s interpreter.
Jamil Khir said the alleged pledge was not made in a formal gathering but arose as Najib and King Abdullah walked together, accompanied by the interpreter. He stated that Najib had gestured for him to follow and that he stood close enough to hear the conversation and its translation.
He told the court that the exchange included references to a financial contribution from the Saudi monarch to Najib. Based on what he heard, he understood that the funds were to be transferred shortly after the meeting into Najib’s personal bank account.
Jamil Khir further said he was given the impression that a personal account was chosen to facilitate political-related matters and to prevent potential complications if the funds were channelled directly to a political party or organisation.
The testimony was presented during examination-in-chief by lawyer Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, who is representing Najib Tun Razak in a RM42 million civil suit brought by SRC International Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd.
During cross-examination by lawyer Kwan Will Sen, acting for SRC International, Jamil Khir agreed that his view that Saudi Arabia admired Malaysia’s practice of moderate Islam and its opposition to Syiah ideology was his personal opinion rather than a statement conveyed directly by the Saudi ruler.
The civil action, filed in 2021, seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for RM42 million and claims damages on several grounds, including knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office and abuse of power.
The proceedings are being heard before Judge Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan. The trial is scheduled to continue on March 2.
The testimony forms part of ongoing litigation linked to SRC International, as the court continues to examine witness accounts and documentary evidence to determine liability in the civil claim.
-wilayah.com.my
