Why did Najib Razak not return RM42 million despite knowing it might be SRC funds?

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Najib Razak Stated He Withheld RM42 Million Due to Ongoing Investigations

Datuk Seri Najib Razak stated that he did not return the RM42 million deposited into his personal AmBank account to SRC International Sdn Bhd because the matter was under investigation by authorities at the time. He claimed he became aware that the funds might have originated from SRC International, possibly via Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd, after media reports, specifically from Sarawak Report, brought the issue to light in 2015. However, he maintained that he lacked knowledge of the money's source when the deposits were made in 2014 and 2015 and did not authorise them.
Awareness of Potential SRC Funds

Najib Razak indicated that he became aware of the possibility that the RM42 million in his account could be SRC International funds around mid-2015, following reports by the Sarawak Report website. He clarified that this awareness came through Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd, but he asserted that he had no direct knowledge or authorisation regarding these deposits.
Decision to Withhold Funds

When questioned about his decision not to return the money despite these allegations, Najib explained that he opted to await the outcome of investigations by the relevant authorities before making any decision on returning the funds. He stated, "Yes, I did not return because it was the subject of investigations." He also acknowledged that logically, he "should have" returned the money if he knew it had wrongly entered his account, but reiterated that the ongoing investigations influenced his inaction.
Non-Interference with Investigations

Furthermore, Najib Razak maintained that he did not lodge a police report on the matter because authorities were already investigating the case. He expressed a desire to avoid creating the impression that he was interfering with the investigative processes. His testimony positions his inaction as a deliberate choice to allow the official investigations to proceed without his perceived influence.
Charges Related to SRC International Funds

Najib Razak is currently facing seven charges connected to SRC International. These include three charges for criminal breach of trust concerning a total of RM42 million of SRC International funds, three charges for laundering the same amount, and a final charge for abusing his positions to gain self-gratification from these funds. These charges stem from his roles as prime minister and finance minister at the time the alleged offences occurred.

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Why did Najib Razak not return RM42 million despite knowing it might be SRC funds?

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