Financier Low Taek Jho was the mirror image of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as far as the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) wrongdoings are concerned, the Kuala Lumpur High Court heard today.
Lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram said in his opening statement before High Court judge Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah that Low, better known as Jho Low, was the alter ego of the former premier and that the duo acted as one.
“In truth, Jho Low was the accused’s mirror image.
“If you put the accused before the mirror, you will see Jho Low. If you put Jho Low before the mirror, you will see the accused,” quipped Gopal Sri Ram.
“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,” he added.
Describing Low as a fugitive of justice, Sri Ram said there were four phases where 1MDB funds were channelled into Najib’s account, and that Najib caused amendments to be made to 1MDB’s article of association.
“The accused was instrumental in changing its name (Terengganu Investment Authority) to 1MDB.
“He also caused amendments to be made to the articles of the company to place himself in sole control of important matters concerning the business and affairs of the company.
“Additionally, he was the chairman and he used that position and that of the prime minister and finance minister to do certain acts and exert influence on the board of 1MDB to obtain gratification for himself.
“The ultimate aim of the accused was to obtain gratification for himself. He succeeded in achieving that aim,” he said.
Sri Ram also said that the prosecution will prove, through direct and circumstantial evidence that Najib took several steps that led to part of 1MDB’s funds being channelled into his account through a circuitous route to prevent detection of its source.
“The prosecution will prove that the accused by his words and conduct, made it clear to 1MDB officers, its board and others that Jho Low was his alter ego,” he added.
Earlier report: Aug 28, Najib’s 1MDB Trial Begins