Fugitive of justice Jho Low, Najib’s alter ego
KUALA LUMPUR: Fiat prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram argued that former premier, Datuk Seri Najib Razak played a key role in amending 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) company regulations to control the company and enrich himself.
He also described the elusive wanted businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low as “fugitive of justice”.
Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram added thatthere are four phases to the transaction that resulted in the massive amount of RM2.28 billion ending up in Najib’s AmBank accounts.
Central to the scheme is Penang-born businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, whom Sri Ram described as a “fugitive of justice”.
“The prosecution will prove that the accused (Najib) by his words and conduct made it clear to 1MDB’s officers, its board and others that Jho Low was his alter ego.
“In truth, Jho Low was the accused’s mirror image. The prosecution will establish facts which will give rise to an irresistible inference that Jho Low and the accused acted as one at all material times,” the former Federal Court judge said in his opening statement to the case.
He further pointed to the four phases the first occured during the formation of 1MDB’s precursor Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA) that occured in 2010.
Today is the beginning of Najib’s 1MDB trial. He is facing four counts of using his position to obtain gratification amounting to RM2.3 billion in 1MDB and 21 counts of money laundering.
The case is heard by High Court judge, Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
