Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin, a former special officer to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said that a prime minister would have the power and influence to create “instability” in his life.
“I consider myself stuck in the middle. When I was asked about the threats (during cross-examination), to me it doesn’t matter whatever route I take, there will be threats.
“What I do is I look back at my religion and tell the truth. I hope that would save me, ” Amhari said.
Sri Ram then asked Amhari where were the threats from.
“It can be any stakeholders in this trial, whoever they are. Whatever group they are, ” the witness replied.
KUALA LUMPUR: A former special officer said that a prime minister would have the power and influence to create “instability” in his life, the High Court heard.
Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin, 43, testified that although his former boss Datuk Seri Najib Razak had never personally threatened him as the nation’s number one man, the former premier had the power to do so.
The witness was under a re-examination by lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial here on Thursday (Sept 19).
Sri Ram: When you were asked about threats, you said “with respect to my former boss”. What did you mean by that?
Sri Ram: Instability in what?
Amhari: In my livelihood, my job.
The witness added that a prime minister “would have the power to do things” and his supporters can take matters into their own hands.
Sri Ram: And by prime minister, who are you referring to?
Amhari: Najib.
Earlier, on the same issue of threats, Sri Ram had asked the witness to explain himself.
“I think for the threats in my life right now… what I’m trying to express is that in whatever I do, the threat is always there.
“I consider myself stuck in the middle. When I was asked about the threats (during cross-examination), to me it doesn’t matter whatever route I take, there will be threats.
“What I do is I look back at my religion and tell the truth. I hope that would save me, ” Amhari said.
Sri Ram then asked Amhari where were the threats from.
“It can be any stakeholders in this trial, whoever they are. Whatever group they are, ” the witness replied.
Sri Ram: One of the stakeholders is the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Do you include them?
Amhari: No.
The lead prosecutor then pressed further for Amhari to explain the other stakeholders he meant but the witness appeared hesitant.
Sri Ram: Who are the other stakeholders?
Amhari: Whether they… (the witness’ voice trailed off)
Sri Ram: Don’t be afraid. Nobody is going to touch you here.
Amhari: Whether the current ruling government or the previous ruling government.
Najib, 66, faces 25 charges in total – four for abuse of power that allegedly brought him financial benefit to the tune of RM2.3bil; and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.
He faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the sum or value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher if found guilty.
The hearing continues before Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah on Tuesday (Sept 24).
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