PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he trusted Low Taek Jho or Jho Low during his time as prime minister because he believed he was acting in Malaysia's best interests, the High Court heard today.
Najib said despite Low's notoriously bad reputation, the fugitive businessman was well connected with international industry players, which he believed could help secure financial support for the country.
"I did it for Malaysia. I used him to generate profits as quickly as possible," Najib said this while testifying in his defense against multiple corruption charges related to the misappropriation of billions from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, during his cross-examination of Najib, expressed genuine disbelief, questioning why Najib, as the top official, continued to depend on Low despite numerous photos of him partying with Hollywood socialites.
Earlier, Akram zoomed in on Najib's former aide Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin's purported 'secret bailout mission' to China to secure assistance for the struggling sovereign wealth fund.
It was established during the trial that the trip was orchestrated by Low, who had provided instructions regarding the itinerary and agenda for discussions in China.
Ahmad Akram: Why did you trust Low to help Amhari in China?
Najib: Because he had connections with people there. That is why we used him.
Ahmad Akram: Do you agree that you used him (Low) for the China trip?
Najib: As long as the project benefited the country. For example, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
Ahmad Akram: So, you agree that you used Low to help Amhari?
Najib: Yes.
Ahmad Akram: As prime minister, why use Low to help you? Why was he so close to you?
Najib: The purpose was to secure opportunities for Malaysia's economy. This project was profitable.
Ahmad Akram: But we have ambassadors and officers for that.
Najib: True. But he (Low) had personal connections with people there.
Ahmad Akram: Even though Low was already labelled negatively, you still used him?
Najib: I did it for Malaysia. I used him to generate profits as quickly as possible.
However, the former Pekan member of Parliament disagreed with the prosecution's claim that he relied on Low due to pressure to repay loans between 1MDB and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).
During the morning proceedings, Najib admitted to instructing Amhari to travel to Abu Dhabi to resolve the 1MDB and IPIC dispute outside the International Arbitration Court (IAC).
He said Mubadala Investment Co's chief executive officer Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak also requested that the issue be settled at the prime ministerial level.
Najib faces four charges of using his position to obtain RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial before presiding Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues.