Kuala Lumpur: Tengku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud, sister of the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, testified in the High Court that Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, gave the impression of having a good relationship with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. This statement was made during the trial of the former premier, who is accused of misappropriating RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Rahimah, who served briefly as a director of the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), testified during cross-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib. She recounted being introduced to Jho Low by Datuk Syed Ahmad Alwee Alsree and mentioned attending a meeting at Jho Low's office in the Petronas Twin Towers with her husband and Syed Ahmad.
In 2008, Tengku Rahimah discussed with her family the desire of Tuanku Mizan to improve Terengganu's economic conditions. This led to an introduction to Jho Low, who shared insights about Mubadala, a sovereign wealth fund from the United Arab Emirates. Tengku Rahimah stated that Jho Low's proposal to establish TIA was presented to Tuanku Mizan, emphasizing that the incorporation was not initiated by Najib but was suggested by Jho Low.
Tengku Rahimah highlighted Jho Low's role in identifying potential sectors for TIA's development, initially focusing on tourism. She noted that Jho Low's proposals seemed realistic, mentioning plans for a water theme park in Tasik Kenyir. She described Jho Low as an accomplished individual, with an office at KLCC that left a strong impression.
On May 22, 2009, Tuanku Mizan asked Tengku Rahimah to sign a resolution suspending the Islamic Medium Term Notes programme. Surprised by the request, she complied and later resigned from TIA. During her testimony, she confirmed an informal dinner at the Terengganu Palace where Tuanku Mizan and Najib discussed TIA's establishment.
Meanwhile, former minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, as the seventh defence witness, testified that the late Saudi King Abdullah promised to donate funds to Najib's personal account. He described a close interaction between King Abdullah and Najib, likening it to a father-son relationship. Jamil Khir suggested the funds were meant to aid Najib's political journey and avoid complications in spending.
Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah previously ordered Najib to defend himself against 25 charges, including abuse of power and money laundering involving 1MDB funds.