What is the core defence strategy Najib has maintained in the SRC trial?

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Najib's Defence Strategy in the SRC Trial Revolves Around Signature Authenticity

Datuk Seri Najib Razak's core defence strategy in the SRC International Sdn Bhd trial centres on questioning the authenticity of his signatures on key documents, suggesting they may be forgeries and requiring verification by a handwriting expert. This stance was highlighted during cross-examination when he declined to confirm his signature on an instruction letter to AmBank, maintaining that an expert was needed to establish its validity. The prosecution, in turn, drew a parallel between Najib's defence and the infamous "looks like me, sounds like me, but it's not me" quote attributed to former lawyer Datuk VK Lingam.
Questioning Signature Validity

Najib has consistently refused to verify the authenticity of signatures on documents presented in his SRC International trial, including an instruction letter to AmBank dated August 2013. This letter directed the closure of two personal bank accounts and the transfer of approximately RM12.4 million to a new account. While acknowledging the signature bore a resemblance to his own, Najib asserted that a handwriting expert was essential to definitively confirm whether the signature was genuine or forged.
Lack of Verification Opportunity Cited

The former prime minister has stated that he did not have adequate opportunities to fully verify his signatures during interrogations with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Najib explained that documents were presented to him only in passing during his sessions with the MACC, limiting his ability to scrutinise them for a thorough verification of his signature's authenticity. This lack of opportunity, he contends, further necessitates expert examination.
Prosecution's Comparison to VK Lingam Case

The prosecution, led by ad hoc prosecutor Datuk V. Sithambaram, drew a notable comparison between Najib's defence regarding his signatures and the well-known quote by Datuk VK Lingam. Sithambaram remarked that Najib's repeated assertion about needing a handwriting expert reminded him of Lingam's statement during a royal commission of inquiry into judicial tampering allegations. Lingam had famously stated, "Looks like me, sounds like me, but it's not me," when discussing a taped phone conversation, a denial that was later found to be contrary to the inquiry's findings.
General Legal Principles of Signature Verification

In legal proceedings, the authenticity of signatures on documents is a fundamental aspect of establishing evidence. When a party disputes the genuineness of a signature, the court may require expert testimony to ascertain its validity. Handwriting experts analyse various characteristics of a signature, such as stroke patterns, pressure, slant, and spacing, to determine if it matches the known handwriting of the individual or if it exhibits signs of forgery. This process ensures that documents presented as evidence are reliably attributed to the individuals purported to have signed them.

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What is the core defence strategy Najib has maintained in the SRC trial?

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