KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has asserted that its jailed former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak was deceived by irresponsible parties who sought to exploit 1Malaysia Development Bhd and SRC International Sdn Bhd for their own gain.
Its secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said Umno was closely following the ongoing 1MDB and previous SRC trial proceedings involving Najib as well as the recent Swiss court decision on PetroSaudi executives.
He said the party also took note of Najib's statement yesterday, where he apologised for the 1MDB scandal but maintained his innocence in the matter.
"This statement clearly demonstrates the spirit and magnanimity of Najib as a leading national figure who always prioritises the interests of the people in any situation.
"Umno believes that the statement is a genuine and sincere expression from his heart, reflecting the honest sentiments of Najib," he said in a statement.
Asyraf said Najib's act of apologising to the public for this unintended error certainly shows his noble character and unwavering love for the people and the country.
"Umno and all its members offer prayers to Allah, hoping that truth and justice will prevail and that the real masterminds behind the SRC and 1MDB cases will be brought to justice as swiftly as possible," he said.
Yesterday, Najib through his son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar, issued an apology for all that transpired during the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal.
Despite his apology, the former prime minister asserted his innocence, claiming he was deceived by fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, and his associates.
He had said the recent court hearings and conviction of the PetroSaudi executives in the Swiss courts as well as the recent article by The Edge, based on their analysis of the case as well as internal PetroSaudi emails in their possession again proves that he is not the mastermind and did not collaborate with Low in deceiving 1MDB of its funds.
Najib had said the article had reached a conclusion that PetroSaudi and Low had collaborated to deceive him, and that he was not aware that Petrosaudi was siphoning 1MDB funds.
He had added that the article had also concluded that he did not knowingly receive any money from the funds sent by 1MDB to PetroSaudi.
Najib said while he had initiated various investigations, he was inclined to believe the explanations by the board and management.
He claimed that he became suspicious about what was actually going on at 1MDB, his immediate concerns were its "financial predicaments and the risk it posed to diplomatic and bilateral relations" at the highest levels.
The former Pekan member of parliament was charged in the Sessions Court on Sept 20, 2018, and the case was allowed to be transferred to the High Court on Oct 31, 2018. The trial began on Aug 28, 2019.
Najib was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act. which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.
For the 21 charges of money laundering, Najib is accused of committing the offences between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.
All these charges are under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA), which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.