Najib: I confronted Jho Low over lavish lifestyle

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that he had confronted fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) about his extravagant lifestyle, questioning his lavish spending on luxury properties and renowned artworks, the High Court heard.

The former prime minister admitted feeling uneasy about the fugitive businessman's ostentatious behaviour, which had attracted widespread international media attention.

However, Najib said Jho Low reassured him that the purchases were made on behalf of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Emirati royal family.

Najib said this under cross-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Mustafa P. Kunyalam as part of his defence against multiple corruption charges linked to the misappropriation of billions from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

"There were rumors about his purchases abroad, acquiring properties and paintings.

"I confronted him about it. He explained that he was buying these things for Sheikh Mansour.

"I told him I was not comfortable with his lifestyle, but that was his explanation to me. He repeated it several times, mentioning Sheikh Mansour," Najib said before presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah today.

Najib, however, disagreed with the prosecution's suggestion that he failed to investigate Jho Low's activities, despite being the top government official at the time.

Mustafa: You agree that from time to time, Jho Low appeared in the news for various reasons?

Najib: Yes.

Mustafa: Are you aware of a picture of Jho Low with Paris Hilton?

Najib: I know he was involved in some publicity events, though I may not be familiar with this specific article. But I am aware he received unwarranted publicity from his party.

Mustafa: You were the highest authority in Malaysia. You were in a position to uncover the truth, but you chose not to.

Najib: I disagree.

Mustafa: At that time, you were turning a blind eye because you did not want to know the obvious.

Najib: No. I disagree. I confronted him because I was uncomfortable with the situation.

During the hearing yesterday, Najib said that he had engaged Jho Low during his tenure as prime minister due to his connections with key international players, particularly from Arab countries.

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 continues.

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