Saudi king gave millions as he was wowed by Malaysia’s Islam, Najib says

KUALA LUMPUR — Najib Razak told the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Wednesday (Dec 4) that he received hundreds of millions in a donation from the Saudi royal family, who were impressed with Malaysia’s moderate Islam.

The former Malaysian prime minister also said it was fugitive financier Low Taek Jho — better known as Jho Low — who organised meetings between him and King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh and Jeddah.

“In one incident, before my official visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2010, Low told me that King Abdullah was very impressed with Malaysia’s moderate Islam and the equal treatment of our Muslims and non-Muslims,” Najib testified in his defence during his SRC International Sdn Bhd trial.

His charges are linked to RM4 billion (S$1.31 billion) in loans issued to SRC International in 2011 and 2012, of which he is accused of receiving RM42 million in his accounts in 2014 and 2015.

The 66-year-old addressed the court via a 243-page witness statement on the allegations against him.

Najib said Low told him he would be conferred the King Abdulaziz Order of Merit (1st Class), which the former prime minister received in January 2010.

Najib said it was during this trip that he and the Saudi king discussed the need to work together to eradicate extremism.

“King Abdullah also gave special attention to the rise in Islamist militants and extremist teachings, and requested that I ensured Malaysia remained free from negative influences.

“Relating to this, King Abdullah privately assured me that he would support my leadership, to ensure that I continued to lead the country as an example of how Islam should be practised. I was grateful, and extended my thanks to King Abdullah.”

Najib said that in mid-2010, Low informed him King Abdullah had agreed to show his support in the form of a private donation.

“At the time, I did not know the amount… only that the donation would be managed through a prince. Low told me that he would inform me of further details when he learnt more.

“After that, around 2010, Low confirmed that the donation would be transferred. From 2011 to 2014, I received a large amount of money, which I believe was a donation from King Abdullah as a sign of his support.

“Low acted as a mediator in this matter, and I trusted him to manage the donation on behalf of the Saudi royal family. Several letters regarding the donation were received by AmBank and myself from Low.”

On whether the Penang-born businessman had mentioned a specific amount, Najib said: “No specific amount was mentioned to me, but Low did say it was likely US$100 million (S$136 million) to US$200 million.”

When asked if he was surprised by the amount, Najib said: “It may seem like a lot, but I was told that the Saudi royal family are generous and have previously donated large amounts to foundations in the US, including the Clinton Foundation, as well as other countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan and Palestine, as part of (Saudi Arabia’s) foreign relations and diplomatic policy.”

Strengthening Najib’s belief that Low was well-connected to Saudi royals was the approval of Malaysia’s request to increase the haj quota.

He said during the Arab Spring uprising, Low arranged for Malaysian students to transit through Jeddah from Egypt without the need for visas.

“I also received a Kiswah (the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca) as a gift from King Abdullah. I still keep it to this day.”

Najib’s legal team is led by Mr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah. Attorney-General Tommy Thomas heads the prosecution, while justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali presides. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT