Former SRC director testifies board obeyed Najib’s instructions, believing they were for national good, due to his triple roles as advisor, PM and finance minister.
KUALA LUMPUR: The board of directors of SRC International Sdn Bhd believed instructions from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were for the country’s good and the company’s best interests.
Former SRC director Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, 61, stated this was due to Najib holding three key roles during the material time.
He explained Najib served as Advisor Emeritus of SRC, Prime Minister and Finance Minister simultaneously.
Ismee confirmed this under questioning by lawyer Lee Suan Cui at the High Court trial of a RM42 million civil suit.
The suit was filed against Najib by SRC and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd.
Ismee agreed the board would carry out shareholder resolutions as SRC was a government investment vehicle.
He emphasised the board gave highest authority to Najib’s roles per the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Ismee confirmed Article 117 required the board to implement any advice from the Advisor Emeritus.
He agreed this left no room for directors to refuse such advice from the position.
The directors could not disregard advice as they held no executive government roles.
SRC and Gandingan Mentari filed the suit in 2021 seeking a declaration Najib is responsible for RM42 million.
They are also seeking damages for alleged knowing receipt and abuse of power.
The trial before Judge Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan continues.
