Najib Defends Acceptance of ‘Saudi Donations’ in 1MDB Trial, Claims No Need to Inform Cabinet

PUTRAJAYA — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today defended his acceptance of billions in donations, claiming they were from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, and insisted there was no need to disclose these to his Cabinet, as long as his integrity as prime minister remained unaffected.

Testifying in his own defense in the 1MDB trial, where he faces allegations of receiving RM2 billion from the sovereign fund in his personal bank accounts, Najib maintained the funds were personal donations, intended to support his leadership and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Under cross-examination, deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar questioned why Najib did not inform his Cabinet in detail about the donations. Najib responded that he had informed the Cabinet "generally" about King Abdullah's support but did not need to provide specifics, as the donations were personal and not tied to government funds.

Najib argued that the government’s Code of Ethics allowed him to accept gifts as long as they did not affect his decisions or integrity. He disagreed with suggestions that the donations violated the Code’s provision against members of the administration receiving gifts that could influence their integrity.

While the prosecutor pointed to the ethical guidelines, which state that officials should avoid gifts that could affect their integrity or lead to an unfair accumulation of wealth, Najib insisted the funds did not violate these principles as they were for personal, not public, use.

When asked whether he had informed the Cabinet before the 2013 and 2014 elections about the donations, Najib said he did not recall the exact details but would check.

The trial continues.