Najib 1 Mdb Trial Day 33 Najib Wanted Someone With A Fresh Way Of Looking At Things Shahrol

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The criminal trial of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak involving the alleged abuse of power and money laundering of 1MDB funds enters its 33rd day today at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysiakini brings you live reports of the proceedings
Summary of Najib’s 1MDB ‘donation’ caseNajib is facing 25 charges of receiving RM2.28 billion, which originated from 1MDB through Tanore Finance Corp, a company owned by Eric Tan, a close associate of fugitive businessperson Jho Low
21 money laundering charges4 abuse of power chargesClick to view information on judge, prosecution and defence teamKEY HIGHLIGHTSNajib wanted someone with a fresh way of looking at things - Shahrol1MDB board sought more information on PetroSaudi's operationsShahrol unwell, court informed he has taken medsCourt adjourns for short break for Najib to SRC case10.08am - The court goes for a short break as the accused Najib Abdul Razak has to appear before another High Court judge, Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, who will deliver his decision at the end of the prosecution's case in SRC International criminal trial against the former premier
Najib wanted someone with a fresh way of looking at things - Shahrol9.45am - The court hears from a former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi that a certain Datuk Ong Gim Huat, said to be an experienced real estate businessperson, was brought into the company's board of directors to reflect then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's 1Malaysia vision
Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi (photo) says that there was a discussion between the original directors of 1MDB to bring in a non-bumiputera to reflect the vision
He testifies that after this was when Jho Low recommended several names to Shahrol, including Ong
Shahrol says Low claimed that he had cleared with Najib over bringing in Ong as a director in 1MDB
According to the witness, Ong was also chosen because he was an independent businessperson and somebody outside the system
Shahrol says that Low claimed that Najib had wanted someone with fresh way of looking into things to be in the board. 1MDB board sought more information on PetroSaudi's operations9.35am - The defence's cross-examination on former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi delves into a presentation paper on PetroSaudi Oil Services Ltd (PSOSL) that was tabled to 1MDB board of directors in Jan 2011
The court hears that PSOSL is a subsidiary of PetroSaudi International and owned by the same owners, namely Prince Turki and Tarek Obaid
Shahrol testifies that the presentation paper, which was dated Dec 30, 2010, came about following the board's instruction for 1MDB's management to obtain more information on Petrosaudi International and its operations
He says that the presentation, specifically on PSOSL, was mooted bythe 1MDB chief investment officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil
Shahrol unwell, court informed he has taken meds9.20am - DPP Akram Gharib informs the court that prosecution witness Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi is unwell and has taken medications
The counsel says that while the witness is fine to continue giving his testimony now, it is yet to be known how he would be later due to the medication
Proceeding then resumes with lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah continuing his cross-examination on Shahrol
Proceedings resume on the 33rd day of Najib's 1MDB trial9.18am - Trial resumes with ninth prosecution witness former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi taking the stand
9.15am - Lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah enters the courtroom with his team as trial is about to start
The 33rd day of Najib Abdul Razak's RM2.28 billion trial will begin at 9am this morning but will have a brief adjournment at 10am
Last week, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed this brief break between proceedings to allow the former prime minister and his defence team to attend a separate High Court matter
Today at 10am, another High Court, presided by judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, will deliver his decision on Najib's RM42 million SRC International case at the end of the prosecution's case
Najib's defence team, headed by veteran lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, handles the former premier's RM2.28 1MDB billion case and that of RM42 milllion SRC International
Two separate prosecution teams handle each case, with one led by former Federal Court judge and lead DPP Gopal Sri Ram handling the RM2.28 billion 1MDB trial, while the other led by Attorney-General Tommy Thomas handles the RM42 million SRC International case
After Nazlan delivers the verdict on whether Najib needs to enter his defence to the RM42 million SRC International case, the former premier and his defence team will then head back to Sequerah's court to resume the RM2.28 billion 1MDB trial
On Najib's RM2.28 billion 1MDB proceedings, his defence team is expected to resume cross-examination of 9th key prosecution witness, former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi. - Mkini

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