by Theleaders-Online | September 25, 2019 8:49 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had set and approved his own remuneration as the chairman of 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) board of advisers.
Najib had approved for himself an annual remuneration of RM120,000 for his role in the debt-laden company, while members of the board of advisors received RM96,000 each.
Former 1MDB chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi told the High Court that these amounts were determined and approved by Najib himself, in his capacity as the chairman.
This will then be brought up in the board of directors’ meeting for it to be approved.
As the CEO, Shahrol received RM179,000 annually, alongside other board of directors, namely Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, Tan Sri Ong Gim Huat and Asvin Jethanand.
Board chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamaruddin drew an annual remuneration of RM230,000.
Detailing the relationship between Najib and fugitive businessman Low Taek Jhoe, or Jho Low, Shahrol described the duo as having a ‘symbiotic relationship’.
Shahrol was in an examination-in-chief conducted by lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram when he said this.
Sri Ram: Over this period of time, I’m talking about 2009 to 2010. What impact did Jho Low’s statements to you that he had discussions with the prime minister, or something which had to do with the prime minister. How did it impact you?
Shahrol: It serves to underscore the congruency of what Jho Low is telling me. In other words, the harmony of what Jho Low is telling me and what ended up as when I confirmed with Najib, it strengthened my belief that Jho Low was indeed acting in the best interests of Najib.
Sri Ram: What impression came to your mind on the relationship between the accused and Jho Low?
Shahrol: I would say that the relationship, if I can use a biological term, Yang Arif, were symbiotic. The relationship was symbiotic in the sense that Jho Low executes what Najib wants and Najib’s role is to approve whatever decisions that were required.
Sri Ram: Required by whom?
Shahrol: Required by, normally the company, but also the government machinery.
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