Why was Gnanaraja chosen as the intermediary for bribe exchanges?

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Gnanaraja was selected as an intermediary due to his perceived close ties to the then-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and a recommendation from a former minister.

The decision to involve businessman G. Gnanaraja as a conduit for bribe exchanges was primarily based on his introduction as a close associate of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who held the position of Prime Minister at the time. This assertion was made by Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, a senior executive director at Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB), during his testimony. Zarul Ahmad stated that he placed trust in Gnanaraja after receiving a personal recommendation from former minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. Nazri Aziz had reportedly described Gnanaraja as being intimately connected with Najib Razak, thereby lending him an air of influence and perceived immunity.
Perceived Connection to the Prime Minister

Zarul Ahmad testified that his confidence in Gnanaraja was significantly bolstered by the endorsement from Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. Nazri Aziz's description of Gnanaraja as a close friend of the Prime Minister at the time provided Zarul Ahmad with assurance regarding Gnanaraja's access and standing. This perceived proximity to the highest office in the country made Gnanaraja appear to be a safe and potentially effective intermediary for sensitive transactions.
Suggestion to Avoid MACC Scrutiny

The use of an intermediary like Gnanaraja was also suggested to circumvent potential surveillance by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Lim Guan Eng, the former chief minister, had reportedly expressed concerns about being monitored by the MACC. Consequently, Zarul Ahmad proposed Gnanaraja, believing that his known association with the Prime Minister would afford him a degree of immunity and allow for discreet exchanges of funds.
Facilitating Cash Payments

Following Lim Guan Eng's consent to use a middleman, Zarul Ahmad initiated contact with Gnanaraja. He communicated his intention to utilise Gnanaraja as the intermediary for the cash payments. Between May and August 2017, a sum of RM2 million was reportedly handed over to Gnanaraja for safekeeping, with coded language such as 'chocolate' for cash and 'Bigboss' for Lim Guan Eng being employed during discussions.

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Why was Gnanaraja chosen as the intermediary for bribe exchanges?

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