Why did the ex-Finance Ministry officer initially claim her witness statement lacked her input?

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Retired Finance Ministry Officer Cites Nerves and Inexperience for Initial Witness Statement Remark

Datuk Siti Zauyah Mohd Desa, a retired senior officer from the Finance Ministry, explained that her earlier assertion that her witness statement was not drafted by her was due to nerves and her inexperience as a first-time court witness. She clarified this before the High Court on September 27, 2022, while testifying in the trial of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Siti Zauyah had previously exhibited hesitation, including long pauses and repeated statements of not knowing or recalling events from many years ago, during cross-examination by Najib's lawyer.
Explanation of Nervousness and Lack of Clarity

Siti Zauyah, who was the 26th prosecution witness in the RM2.28 billion 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds misappropriation trial, stated that her initial responses were a result of being scared. She described it as her first experience in a trial, which she found "scary," leading to her mind not thinking clearly. This nervousness, she explained, affected her ability to recall events and formulate clear answers during the earlier cross-examination sessions.
Clarification on Witness Statement Drafting

During cross-examination by Najib's lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee, Siti Zauyah had previously stated that her witness statement was drafted by her assistants without her input. However, on September 27, she clarified that while her officers had helped in drafting certain parts, she had reviewed and gone through every line of the statement, providing her own input. She emphasized that she had reviewed all the relevant documents to ensure the accuracy of her testimony.
Context of Cross-Examination Behaviour

Previously, when questioned by Najib's lawyer Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed about documents spanning from 2009 to 2013, Siti Zauyah frequently took extended pauses. She often responded with "I don't know" or indicated an inability to recall events from many years prior. This behaviour prompted Muhammad Shafee to question her memory, suggesting it was either poor or feigned.
Reassurance and Witness Protection

Lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram later inquired about Siti Zauyah's reluctance to answer some questions posed by Najib's lawyers. She reiterated her desire to provide only correct information by cross-referencing documents, especially given the passage of time since the events in question. Sri Ram assured her that she could take her time, and the High Court judge was present to ensure she was not subjected to undue pressure.

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Why did the ex-Finance Ministry officer initially claim her witness statement lacked her input?

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