Former SRC director denies any role in RM42 million loss, stating he had no knowledge or authorisation over the disputed transactions during his tenure.
KUALA LUMPUR: A former director of SRC International Sdn Bhd has categorically denied that any act or omission on his part caused losses to the company.
Datuk Mohammed Azhar Osman Khairuddin, 71, told the High Court he had no knowledge of the disbursement of the RM42 million in question.
He stated he did not authorise any transactions or access to SRC’s bank accounts at any material time.
The former director was being cross-examined by counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who represents Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
SRC International and its subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd filed the RM42 million civil suit against the former prime minister.
Mohammed Azhar responded to an allegation by Najib that former SRC directors breached their statutory and fiduciary duties.
He said the disbursement of funds and related transactions were not within his personal knowledge.
“Although the transactions and disbursement of funds occurred during my tenure as a director, they were at all material times not within my personal knowledge and I neither participated in nor was involved in them,” he said.
Mohammed Azhar added he therefore could not be in breach of his duties for matters outside his knowledge.
He is named as one of the third parties in the suit filed in 2021.
Upon joining SRC, his specific responsibility was to execute the Sabah and Peninsular Gas Pipeline Projects.
He held this role as chief executive officer after getting approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Mohammed Azhar said he realised Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil played a very physical role in setting up SRC itself.
He explained that by the time he joined SRC in 2014, a RM4 billion loan from Retirement Fund Incorporated had already come and gone.
“At that point in time, in the background, everyone knows Nik Faisal played a critical role to have that possibly happen,” he told the court.
The witness recalled that financial matters were always briefed to the SRC Board by Nik Faisal.
This was in line with Nik Faisal’s role as CEO after he took over the position.
The civil suit seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for the RM42 million.
It also claims damages for knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office and abuse of power.
The trial before Judge Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan resumes tomorrow.
The Sun Malaysia
