Najib Razak’s lawyers argue key witness testimony is unreliable hearsay, based on statements from an absent former SRC CEO in a RM42 million civil suit.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s defence team argued that a key witness’s testimony was built on unreliable hearsay. They made the argument during a High Court hearing for a RM42 million civil suit against the former prime minister.

Lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah repeatedly pressed former SRC International director Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi on his reliance on statements from former CEO Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil. Muhammad Shafee contended the testimony could not be verified by the court.

“You are quoting Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, that certain things were conveyed to him by Datuk Seri Najib. It is not merely hearsay but double hearsay,” he said during cross-examination. He argued that Nik Faisal’s absence from the country and the proceedings made the evidence unprovable.

When asked how he could prove the statements, Shahrol Azral responded, “I have no comment on this. How do I prove something that I heard and remember?” He agreed that Nik Faisal was central to his defence.

Shahrol Azral admitted he made no effort to locate Nik Faisal or secure his court attendance. He testified that he had acted on Nik Faisal’s instructions without doubt, citing Najib’s roles as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and SRC’s sole shareholder.

The civil suit was filed in 2021 by SRC International and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd. It seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for RM42 million and claims damages for several alleged wrongdoings.

The trial is set to resume.

 The Sun Malaysia