KUALA LUMPUR: Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low had told the former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) general counsel not to worry about millions remitted into Datuk Seri Najib Razak's bank account.
Jasmine Loo Ai Swan said the rogue financier also told her that he had evidence to show that what he had done was according to the requests, wishes, and knowledge of the former prime minister.
She said this when testified as a key witness in Najib's corruption trial for misappropriating millions of 1MDB funds at the High Court today.
"I was not aware that the security deposit funds amounting to US$576,943,490 and US$790,354,855 were transferred from the account of Aabar Investment PJS Ltd to Tan Kim Loong's Blackstone Asia Real Estate account.
"The money was subsequently transferred into other accounts, including Najib. I only became aware when it was reported in the media and the Department of Justice report in 2015/2016.
"I confronted Low and asked him what had happened, to which he replied everything was done legally, with transactions supported by agreements such as promissory notes.
"However, Low did not provide me with any details or further explanation," she said.
She said Tan, also known as Eric Tan or Fat Eric was a close associate and business partner of Low, engaging in various businesses such as restaurants and real estate.
Earlier, the witness said Low told him that monies deposited into Najib's account were for Barisan Nasional's political fund, specifically for Umno.
"After pressing further and inquiring about these transactions, Low instructed me not to worry and assured me that he would handle everything, advising me not to take any action.
"Low also mentioned that if anything were to happen to him, he had evidence to show that everything he had done was according to the requests, desires, and with Najib's knowledge," she said.
At that time, Loo expressed her belief that every instruction from Low was in line with Najib's wishes.
"My belief is based on whenever Low asked me to prepare documents to be signed by Najib, I found that they would be returned complete with Najib's signature.
"Low also asked me to prepare project status or talking points for him to update Najib on current development involving the company," she added.
Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial before presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues.