Ex-Bank Negara governor Zeti to testify at Najib's 1MDB trial

Former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz will be called as a prosecution witness in Najib Razak’s 1MDB trial.

The issue of Zeti being called to testify came up after the former prime minister's lead counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah posed a question to the 39th prosecution witness, former AmBank non-executive director Cheah Tek Kuang, 75, about the presence of the fugitive businessman, Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, at Zeti’s house.

Senior deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told trial judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah that the question could be addressed to Zeti later on as the prosecution would call her to testify in the case.

"We are calling Zeti and this question can be addressed to her. She has the answer," said Sri Ram.

Cheah was being cross-examined by Shafee at Najib’s corruption and money laundering trial over RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB.

Shafee: Have you ever visited the governor’s (Zeti) house?
 
Cheah: Once, for a Hari Raya celebration.

Shafee: Did you see Jho Low at any point at the house?

Cheah: No. I am very sure of that.

Shafee: I got reliable information that Jho Low was a frequent visitor to Zeti's house.

Cheah: I am not aware of that.

Najib, 69, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial continues tomorrow.