KUALA LUMPUR: A dramatic exchange of words broke out between Datuk Seri Najib Razak's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and former finance minister II Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah in the former prime minister's 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial this morning, forcing the High Court Judge presiding over the case to call for a break.
The terse exchange happened almost right from the start when the lawyer started cross examining Husni, who was called as the 20th prosecution witness in the trial where Najib is accused of misappropriating more than RM2 billion of 1MDB funds.
Shafee had started the morning by taking Husni through his qualification and experience as a merchant banker before he was appointed as a deputy minister and on to the minister of finance II position by Najib.
It was clear from the onset that Husni was not going to be an easy witness for Shafee.
Even the simplest of Shafee's questions about his appointment was met with sarcasm, causing the senior counsel to eventually become agitated.
Husni said he was already deputy minister of finance in Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet before he was elevated to the MOF II position after Najib took over as prime minister.
Shafee then suggested that the appointment must have been based on Najib's observation of Husni's qualification and experience.
However, Husni - who was also Umno treasurer from 2009 to 2016, retorted by saying: "I don't know...I cannot read his mind...you have to ask him that. How can I answer what he was thinking."
It all started going downhill from then on as the witness and lawyer continued with their terse exchanges, especially when Shafee started questioning Husni about how he dealt with documents related to 1MDB.
Husni explained that all 1MDB documents were handled by Najib and he was reduced to just following orders, using the 'Saya Yang Menurut Perintah' terminology repeatedly in his answers.
This irritated Shafee, who responded by pressing Husni to explain what he meant.
However, Husni responded by calling on Shafee to listen to his answers carefully.
"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 - 1MDB and SRC International Bhd, did not follow the standard operating procedures for companies under the Ministry of Finance... it all came from the top... you didn't work there, you don't know anything," he snapped at Shafee.
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 just asking you the questions.
Husni: I am not quarelling with you.
Shafee: Just answer the question, don't be arrogant.
Husni: I am not arrogant.
Shafee: You are arrogant.
At this point judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah stepped in and advised Husni to just answer Shafee's question but Husni retorted that Shafee was asking the same question repeatedly, seemingly to put the blame on him (Husni) over what had happened in 1MDB.
Husni: He is trying to put the blame on other people.
Collin: He has a duty to perform.
Husni: Duty pun kena honest la (he must be honest even when performing his duty).
Collin: Don't worry, you will still have the last say as the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) will be redirecting questions to you after this.
Husni: Yes, I am answering his questions.
However, as the cross examination continued, things did not seem to get any better, prompting Shafee to say it would take him three days to complete his questions.
Shafee: I was planning to take half a day but it looks like this may go on for three days.
Husni: Its ok... one year also no problem.
Collin then said it was best that the court took a short break for everyone to cool down before adjourning the hearing for 10 minutes.