Najib’s Lawyer Claims Jho Low made US$1.9 million from 1MDB, not Najib

Najib Razak’s lawyer Tania Scivetti told the High Court that former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi benefited from his role, allegedly secured through fugitive financier Low Taek Jho’s recommendation. She argued that Shahrol’s RM99,000 monthly salary, RM160,000 signing bonus, and other job perks constituted “gratification” under Section 3(b) of the MACC Act.

Jho Low

Scivetti said Shahrol’s appointment as CEO of the Terengganu Investment Authority (later renamed 1MDB) was based on Low’s influence and that he became a “willing participant” in 1MDB’s financial dealings. She claimed Low gained about US$1.988 billion from transactions authorised by Shahrol, including funds channelled through Good Star Limited and Aabar-linked entities.

Najib’s defence also maintained that Shahrol was not merely following instructions but was actively complicit in 1MDB’s financial misconduct. Defence lawyer Wan Azwan Aiman argued the prosecution had failed to prove Najib abused his position for personal gain. Najib faces 25 charges involving more than RM2 billion of 1MDB funds. The trial continues tomorrow.

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