Anti-Corruption Commission investigator Nasharuddin Amir stated that he had suggested seeking judicial assistance from Singapore regarding the former Prime Minister Najib Razak's 2.6 billion ringgit "donation" case.
Today (21st) in the High Court, Nasharuddin Amir stated that despite meeting the purported donor, Saudi Arabian Prince Saud Abdulaziz, in the Saudi palace in 2015, further investigation was necessary.
He continued, saying he, along with his colleagues Fikri Abd Rashid and Hafzanazza, traveled to the Middle East to investigate the four "donation letters" with their superior Azam Baki (current Anti-Corruption Commission chairman) and then-Deputy Public Prosecutor Zulkifli Ahmad.
These letters are dated from February 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014, signed by "Saud" and sent to Najib.
According to Nasharuddin, the investigation team met "Saud," his legal representative, Muhammad Ajman Aqilman, and fugitive Chen Jinlong at the palace and recorded their statements.
Nasharuddin said he was not satisfied with the testimonies of Saud and Chen Jinlong as they could not provide bank documents as proof.
However, Nasharuddin did not state whether the government acted on his suggestion.
During cross-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram, Nasharuddin admitted that he and Hafaz only spent 25 minutes recording statements from Saud and Chen Jinlong.
Akram: "Do you agree that their statements were prepared in advance and you just needed to 'copy and paste' the content?"
Nasharuddin said: "Yes."
Akram further asked if the trip to Saudi Arabia was just to collect draft statements, enjoy a meal, and then return home.
Nasharuddin also answered yes.
The witness continued, stating that their Saudi hosts had arranged for them to perform a minor pilgrimage.
Najib is charged with 25 counts related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) money laundering and abuse of power, with Datuk Collin Lawrence as the presiding judge.