KUALA LUMPUR: There was no apparent motive for the key prosecution witnesses to testify against Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal.
The individuals mentioned include former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former 1MDB lawyer Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, Najib's former aide Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazarudin, and former 1MDB chief executive Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi.
Presiding Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah noted that the defense argued the former prime minister was made a scapegoat in a larger 1MDB fraud orchestrated by others.
"Amhari and Loo admitted to receiving funds from Low Taek Jho while Shahrol Aral received salary and bonuses.
"Zeti and her family members were also mentioned, with suggestions of ulterior motives.
"Despite allegations against them, the court emphasised that these witnesses face no legal presumption affecting Najib's involvement.
"Considering all evidence, the court noted that these witnesses are not on trial, and thus a detailed analysis of their demeanour is not required," he said.