KUALA LUMPUR: Embattled former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reiterated that Pakatan Harapan is using 1MDB/RM2.6 billion issue just to tarnish his name.
“As we all know, the RM2.6bil issue was used insistently to criticise and tarnish my name all this while,” he said.
He also expresses confidence that he will win the case and clear his name in court as long as the rule of law does exist in Malaysia.
“All the charges today will give me a chance to clear my name – that I am not a thief.
“I hope my journey in court will uphold the truth and put to rest this RM2.6bil issue once and for all.
“We hope the rule of law does indeed exist in this country,” embattled ex-Prime Minister told reporters yesterday right after he came out from the high court which slapped with another to 21 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA) 2001.
Najib also downplayed the latest charges against him, saying that once the public comprehends the facts and figures behind the case, they will realize that it is not such an “explosive” accusation.
He also insists that the RM2.6bil was only a donation from Saudi Arabia royalty, it had nothing to do with 1MDB, and that he returned it to Saudi after he won the 2013 general election.
“Once we understand the facts and we do some calculations, we will come to the conclusion that I returned a large sum of money right after the 13th General Election,” he said.
He also posted yesterday evening a statement on his facebook saying: “Only God is able to reply, only God knows what I feel and go through. I’m sure the truth will stand out.”
Najib was alleged to commit the offences at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch, Jalan Raja Chulan here while he was in his position as a civil servant, the then prime minister, finance minister and the adviser emeritus of 1MDB.
Earlier Najib who is the Member of Parliament for Pekan has also pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi on four charges of abusing his position as prime minister, minister of finance and adviser emeritus of 1MDB in a bribery amounting to RM2.3 billion.
Najib was granted bail of RM3.5 million with two sureties after he pleaded not guilty on 25 graft and money laundering charges involving RM2.3 billion.
Meanwhile Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah requested the bail to be paid in staggered payments with RM1 million to be paid on Friday (Sept.21) and another RM500, 000 next week.
The Sessions Court Judge, Azura Alwi allowed the bail payments be paid over a period as long as full payment is made by Sept. 28. –Malaysia World News
