Our former prime minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak has been in the spotlight since the 1MDB probe regained its pace after the 14th General Election that led to the switching of the federal government.
Since then, the probe against Najib has been ongoing and many pieces of evidence that are believed to be linked to the graft-scandal were recovered in the process. Nonetheless, the 64-year-old has never commented on the goods and cash seized during the raids.
Source: NST
After keeping a tight lip for a long time, Najib finally decided to give an explanation for the cash, luxury handbags and jewellery seized during the raids, reported NST.
Thus, providing clarification on the subject, here’s what Najib has to say about the luxury items and cash seized during an intense 1MDB probe:
1. Wedding gifts from Kazakhstan
While it’s believed that the Hermes Birkin bags, other designer bags, cash-filled bags and jewellery were all bought with the money laundered from the 1MDB fund, Najib said that those are actually gifts from his son-in-law in Kazakhstan.
“Yes these were gifts, particularly with my daughter’s they were tagged, they were actually labelled: when, by whom,” explained Najib.
He noted that his son-in-law, Daniyar Nazarbayev, the nephew of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, gifted a lot of bags to his wife. He must love his mother-in-law, a lot!
Source: The Coverage
He was quoted as saying,
“People might find it hard to understand, but my son-in-law, for example, he gets Birkin from his source, five or six at one go.”
“His family has got some means, so it has nothing to do with 1MDB if it comes from Kazakhstan.”
2. Donation from Saudi Arabia
Assuring repeatedly that the money is a donation, Najib once more reaffirms that the USD681 million (approx. RM2.7 billion) is a donation from Saudi Arabia.
Apparently, he was notified that the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud would be sending a donation.
“All I knew, I accepted at face value that this is coming from the Saudis, from King Abdullah at his behest, at his instruction,” Najib told to Reuters.
Source: Arab Royal Family
He also denied knowledge of any transactions that were done with his personal account because he appointed Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, the director of SRC International, ex-1MDB unit to manage it.
Source: The True Net
On the other hand, he said that 114 million ringgit found in his family’s KL home were funds belonging to the United Malays National Organisation (Umno).
Finally, Najib ended the interview by reinstating that he had never had plans of leaving the country anytime soon and is keen to clear his good name.
“No, I never had plans to leave. Because if I leave, there’s presumption of guilt.”
“I cannot be a fugitive for the rest of my life. I want to clear my name.”
He’s going to stick around, guys!
So, what do you guys think of Najib’s statements? Do you believe that there’s some truth to his explanations for his alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal and the items seized from the raids? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Here Are the Possible Charges Against Najib for 1MDB, Reveals Tun M
