KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 16): Former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) director Tan Sri Ismee Ismail told the High Court on Thursday (Dec 16) that he was worrying about his family’s and his own safety when he gave his testimony to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2018 regarding the inner workings of the government-owned investment fund.
Under cross-examination from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s lawyer Datuk Hariharan Tara Singh, Ismee said he did not strike any deal with the MACC in order for him to escape from prosecution. However, he pointed out that he was afraid for the safety of his family then.
“When the thing (1MDB investigations by MACC) happened, we were concerned for our safety and family security," Ismee told the High Court.
However, Ismee did not elaborate from where the danger to his family’s safety would have come.
Hariharan implied to the witness that he had made a deal with the MACC to testify against Najib, so that he would be protected from any legal action and that he would be safe.
Hariharan: You were also promised by MACC that if you cooperate, you will be protected. In the sense there is no civil suit [against you], travel restrictions against you will be [lifted] and no criminal proceedings against you.
Ismee: Not really, no, I was more concerned about my own safety.
Ismee, who is also the former managing director and CEO of Lembaga Tabung Haji, then denied the lawyer's contention that he was merely testifying against Najib as per the request of MACC. He said he only gave the MACC a statement of facts.
“I wouldn't say I was giving evidence against Datuk Seri Najib. I gave the facts. I am responsible for giving facts, and that was what I did," Ismee said.
Ismee is one of the 15 defendants who had their lawsuit dropped in the US$8 billion action by 1MDB and its four subsidiaries earlier this year.
The 1MDB suit is part of multiple suits filed by the Ministry of Finance Inc-owned company last May.
All in all, a total of 22 suits were filed by 1MDB and its former subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Najib, who is also a former finance minister, is the only accused in the trial and is currently facing 25 charges of money laundering and abuse of power for alleged misappropriation of billions of ringgit in 1MDB funds.
The cross-examination of Ismee continues.
The Edge is covering the trial live here.
Users of The Edge Markets app may tap here to access the live report.