Najib Had Absolute Influence Over Src S Decisions Says Ex Director

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Former SRC International Sdn Bhd director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin says that Datuk Seri Najib Razak wielded absolute influence over the company’s direction and operations. – NSTP picKUALA LUMPUR: Former SRC International Sdn Bhd director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin told the High Court today that Datuk Seri Najib Razak wielded absolute influence over the company's direction and operations.
The 74-year-old said Najib exercised this control through former SRC chief executive officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, who is reportedly on the run following the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
"Najib possessed absolute power in appointing and removing SRC directors. His powers are embodied within Articles 67 and 116 of SRC's Articles of Association (AOA). His written approval is also required for any amendments to the company's AOA and memorandum of association.
"Najib approved the appointment of SRC's board of directors. This can be seen in his letter dated Aug 1, 2011, where he agreed to appoint Nik Faisal, Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, Datuk Che Abdullah @ Rashidi Che Omar, and myself as SRC directors," Suboh said in his witness statement.
Suboh, the third witness for SRC, was testifying before Judge Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan during the trial of SRC International and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, in their RM42 million suit against Najib.
The companies allege that Najib breached trust, misused his power, and personally benefited from company funds, and are seeking RM42 million from the former Pekan Member of Parliament.
Suboh was appointed director on Aug 22, 2011 by Najib and held the position until March 4, 2019.
He cited a letter dated June 3, 2011 as an example of Najib exercising control over SRC through Nik Faisal. In the letter, Nik Faisal informed Najib that SRC had been incorporated as advised by Najib and sought his approval for funding from Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP).
"This shows that Nik Faisal was acting on Najib's instructions even before SRC was incorporated. This was followed by an email dated June 29, 2011 between Nik Faisal and a KWAP representative, referring to a conversation a day earlier between Datuk Azian Mohd Noh, then CEO of KWAP, and the late Datuk Azlin Alias, Najib's private secretary. The email confirms Najib's approval for KWAP to participate in the proposed RM3.95 billion financing to SRC. This demonstrates Najib's direct involvement in the KWAP loan transactions through Nik Faisal," Suboh said.
He added that another instance of Najib's control was the transfer of SRC ownership from 1MDB to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and that Nik Faisal frequently met Najib to discuss SRC's affairs.
"As a director, I was unable to make decisions independently. All matters and actions at SRC were carried out with Najib's instructions, approval or endorsement, either directly or through Nik Faisal," Suboh said.
During cross-examination by Najib's lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, Suboh said that he only became aware of Nik Faisal after joining SRC, describing him as the main point of contact with Najib.
"We all knew he was the link to Najib. He is the person in the company who interacts with the prime minister. As CEO, whenever he needed the prime minister's approval, he sought it," Suboh said.
SRC is represented by lawyer Kwan Will Sen.
The trial continues. - NST

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