Did Najib authorise Jho Low to act on his behalf in 1MDB dealings?

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Najib Did Not Explicitly Authorise Jho Low to Act on His Behalf in 1MDB Dealings

Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, the former CEO of 1MDB, stated that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, acted as Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s “consigliere,” implying he always acted in the former prime minister's interest. However, Shahrol admitted under cross-examination that he never directly verified with Najib whether Low was indeed authorised to represent him in 1MDB matters.
Shahrol's Interpretation of Jho Low's Role

Shahrol described Jho Low as a "consigliere," an Italian term for an advisor to crime family heads, to explain the displeasure from Istana Negara regarding Low misrepresenting himself as an advisor to the Sultan of Terengganu. This context highlights Shahrol's perception of Jho Low's influential position and advisory capacity. He further elaborated that Jho Low represented Najib in his capacities as prime minister, minister of finance, and special shareholder of 1MDB.
Lack of Direct Verification with Najib

During cross-examination by Najib's lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Shahrol conceded that he did not confirm with Najib himself whether Low had explicit authorisation to act on his behalf. This admission suggests that Shahrol's understanding of Jho Low's authority stemmed from observation and interpretation rather than direct confirmation from Najib.
Disputed Authority and Role

Shafee Abdullah challenged Shahrol's testimony, at one point suggesting Shahrol was merely a "soprammobile," an Italian term for a table ornament, implying he was a figurehead with no real power or agency in 1MDB dealings. Shahrol disagreed with this characterisation, asserting his role as CEO, but the exchange underscores the contested nature of authority and decision-making within the company.

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Did Najib authorise Jho Low to act on his behalf in 1MDB dealings?

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