Najib told second finance minister to not interfere with 1MDB's investment plans
Tuesday, 06 Aug 20195:28 PM MYT
By NURBAITI HAMDAN
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak allegedly told Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah not to interfere when the latter advised him against 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) planned investments in oil and gas, the High Court heard on Tuesday (Aug 6).
Ahmad Husni, 67, who was the second finance minister between 2009 and 2016, said he found out that 1MDB wanted to invest in oil services and production company PetroSaudi International Ltd in 2009.
It was a cause for concern for Husni, who told Najib that they should not invest in the company as it was new to the industry.
He also cautioned Najib, who was the premier at the time, that 1MDB staff were also not experienced in oil and gas.
"I said why not just ask Petronas? Najib said 'Do not worry, Husni. From today onwards, don't get involved. I don't want you to interfere', " the witness said during the examination-in-chief conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Izzat here on Tuesday.
Ahmad Husni, who is now retired, was testifying at the corruption trial of Najib, who is accused of misappropriating RM42mil in SRC International funds.
The witness said he met Najib earlier when he found out that the Pekan MP wanted to establish 1MDB.
"I said we cannot set up a company without doing a feasibility study. We have to have a financial projection of between 10 to 20 years to ensure that the company is viable.
He added that Najib then said "Iknow what I'm doing" and he said that this was the moment he realised his involvement was not needed.
The witness said he was "like an office boy", adding that he was merely there to sign documents and not consulted for big decisions.
Najib, 66, is facing three counts of criminal breach of trust, one count of abusing his position and three counts of money laundering amounting to RM42mil in SRC International funds.
The hearing continues before Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali on Thursday (Aug 8).
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/06/najib-told-second-finance-minister-to-not-interfere-with-1mdb039s-investment-plans#rbSQBT5WkfXvlX7l.99
