KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak conceded in the High Court today that the RM42 million deposited into his personal accounts was not connected to any Saudi donation.
During cross-examination by SRC International Sdn Bhd’s counsel, Kwan Will Sen, in the ongoing civil suit filed against him by SRC and its subsidiary Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, the former prime minister admitted the funds were not from the claimed Saudi source, Bernama reported.
“At that particular time, I thought it was a Saudi donation,” said Najib.
When Kwan asked, “The truth in your mind – if I can use those words – at this moment, is that the RM42 million has nothing to do with the Saudi donation?” Najib replied, “Based on subsequent knowledge, yes.”
Earlier, Kwan reminded Najib that his “Saudi donation” defence had been definitively rejected by the courts in the related criminal proceedings.
Kwan: “Your defence (Saudi donation) was rejected by all levels of the courts (in the SRC International criminal case). Is that correct?”
Najib: “Yes, but I have to clarify because I didn’t have the opportunity to do a full explanation at the Federal Court. That’s why in the review, one of the judges – a senior judge – agreed with our position. During the review, he concluded I didn’t get a fair trial.”
Kwan: “All said and done, the majority finding upheld the conclusion (that the funds were not a Saudi donation). That is correct, isn’t it?”
Najib: “Yes, unfortunately, yes.”
Najib also confirmed that the High Court had ruled there was no documentary evidence supporting his “Saudi donation” defence in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) verdicts.
The 2021 civil suit, filed by SRC and Gandingan Mentari, seeks a declaration that Najib is liable for the RM42 million, as well as damages for knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, misfeasance in public office, and abuse of power.
The hearing before Justice Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan resumes tomorrow. – January 22, 2026