KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak said all actions related to the money laundering charges against him do not indicate any intention to commit a crime, the High Court heard.
The former prime minister said his actions reflected his intent to act transparently and in compliance with the law, despite facing charges inconsistent with criminal behavior.
"My entire conduct, in relation to the charges against me, demonstrates a clear absence of a guilty mind, or mens rea, as it is referred to in law.
"If I had any criminal intent, I would not have opened a local bank account under my name within the proper jurisdiction.
"Additionally, I would not have disclosed to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) the transfer of funds into my personal account.
"Lastly, I certainly would not have returned US$620 million to Tanore Finance Corporation, informed BNM of the transaction, and sought the central bank's approval for the transfer," he said.
The 71-year-old said this while defending himself against four charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds and 21 charges of money laundering.
The former finance minister also explained that he decided to return the unused balance of the funds as they were no longer required.
He explained that AmBank needed some time to convert the funds from Malaysian ringgit back into US dollars, and the money was then returned to the original source, Tanore Finance Corporation.
"Due to currency exchange fluctuations and a 10 per cent depreciation between March and August, the amount returned was US$620 million instead of the original US$681 million received."
Najib maintained that the funds were a donation from the Saudi government as a token of support and recognition for his contributions, transferred via Tanore, the designated entity.
Regarding the RM20 million check issued to Umno for which he faces a money laundering charge, Najib explained that it was to support the party's administrative preparations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He stressed that the allocation was not for his personal use but was intended to ensure Umno could function effectively and fulfill its responsibilities to the people.
"As Malaysia's largest political party, Umno required adequate management and resources to support its political functions and community engagement efforts.
"Through the funds received from my AmIslamic account, Umno was able to continue implementing various impactful CSR programmes.
"For instance, during the severe floods in Kelantan in December 2013, Umno mobilised resources to provide immediate aid to affected communities.
"This effort included distributing essential supplies such as food, clean water, blankets, and clothing, as well as temporary shelter for displaced families," he added.
The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah will continue tomorrow.