The MACC’s raid on fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho’s apartment at 3 Kia Peng in Kuala Lumpur was based on information provided by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s ex-aide Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin.
Testifying during Najib’s 1MDB graft trial, Amhari told the High Court that he had led the MACC to Low’s apartment unit on June 27, 2018.
Yusof Mat IsaThis came less than a week after he was arrested by the MACC at his home shortly after returning from a trip to Cambodia.
Amhari, under cross-examination by lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, had presented the witness with a series of photographs of the raid. Amhari was also in the photographs.
Shafee had questioned Amhari whether it was he who alerted the MACC to a safe in Low’s apartment located under a table or whether the MACC found it on their own.
“If I can recall, the procedure was for the witness to be present whenever the safe is opened.
“I think it’s the protocol they have. I was seated at the dining table until and when my presence is needed,” he said.
Amhari further testified that he was unsure if a locksmith was called but the safe was eventually opened.
Shafee: What was discovered?
Amhari: I think money.
Shafee: Is that in A8?
Amhari: I think so.
Shafee: Did they count in front of you?
Amhari: They showed me the bundle.
Shafee: Did they count?
Amhari: No.
Shafee also walked Amhari through pictures of Low’s kitchen which was doubled up into an office space.
The witness had previously testified that he met Low in this area where the businessperson would explain to him complex deals on an electronic whiteboard.
Amhari had testified that he had gone to Low’s house a couple of times but Shafee questioned if this was true, claiming that Amhari went there regularly.
However, Amhari denied this.
Amhari admitted that he had received “pocket money” from Jho Low for several overseas trips.
He recalled receiving funds from Jho Low during official trips to New York and London.
During cross-examination by lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Amhari then said that Low was also present at those official trips abroad when Najib was the prime minister.
Shafee: So. you received money for both of these trips from Jho Low?
Amhari: Yes.
Shafee: How much did you receive?
Amhari: I can’t remember but maybe a few thousand dollars
Shafee: So, you received the money from Jho Low and you also claimed back from the overseas trip?
Amhari: Yes.
On September 5, Amhari also admitted that he had received a USD200,000 as a bridging loan for a home purchase in Kota Damansara in 2010.
Low had also set the term of the interest-free loan to be payable when able, claimed Amhari.