Kuala Lumpur: The former chairman of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) testified in the High Court that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, played no role in the company's advisory or decision-making processes. Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamaruddin, who chaired 1MDB from 2009 to 2016, reported that he was neither aware nor informed of any influence Jho Low held over the company.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Che Lodin stated that the board of directors made decisions based on inputs from management and consultants such as Goldman Sachs, Wong and Partners, and Lazard. He affirmed that Jho Low had no role or authority within 1MDB. However, Che Lodin mentioned that Jho Low and Casey Tang Keng Chee were invited to a board meeting by company management, ostensibly representing the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. Jho Low's participation was limited and he departed after delivering greetings from the Saudi royal family.

Che Lodin shared these insights while delivering a 200-page statement as the 12th defense witness in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's trial. Najib faces allegations of misappropriating RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds. When questioned by Najib's counsel, Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin, Che Lodin clarified that he had no arrangement with Najib to act as a proxy on the board. He also denied any suggestion that Jho Low served as a proxy for Najib.

The proceedings concluded earlier than scheduled due to other commitments of the defense and prosecution at the Kuala Lumpur High Court. Previously, on October 30 of the previous year, Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah instructed Najib to present his defense, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. Najib, 71, is facing 25 charges, including four counts of abusing his position to receive RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.