Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib stated that after learning about the negative reports regarding fugitive businessman Jho Low's extravagant lifestyle and luxury properties worldwide, he had a conflict with him.
During today's (16th) court testimony concerning the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case, Najib emphasized that he felt uncomfortable with reports of Jho Low flaunting his wealth.
"He kept saying it was done for Sheikh Mansour (the Emirati prince)."
He mentioned that his stepson Riza and Jho Low were old classmates and that Riza also knew Jho Low's elder brother, Larry Low, hence Riza was the one who introduced him to Jho Low.
However, Najib denied being grateful to Jho Low and said that he used him to establish a good relationship because he knew Jho Low had close dealings with Middle Eastern royalty.
Moreover, he refuted claims that after the conclusion of the US Department of Justice and Riza's lawsuits, he sought Sheikh Mansour's assistance. Instead, he appointed his former special officer, Anhar, to go to Abu Dhabi to negotiate with Sheikh Mansour, attempting to settle the 1MDB debt with the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).
On another front, Tan Sri Mohamad Bakke Salleh, the former chairman of 1MDB who resigned in 2009, claimed that he had informed Najib via text message that the management was violating board directives, yet Najib never responded.
In response, Najib stated that he never received the warning text messages from Mohamad Bakke Salleh.
Najib believed that Mohamad Bakke Salleh should have personally explained the reasons for his resignation.
"He knew I wanted him to meet me."