KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he was not certain how fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low got his phone number, the High Court heard today.
However, the former prime minister said this could be due to Low's brother Low Taek Szen being acquainted with his stepson Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz.
Najib said this in his witness statement to defend himself from all power abuse and money laundering charges involving RM2.3 billion of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
"I am not entirely certain when Low obtained my personal mobile phone number.
"However, I became acquainted with him through my stepson, Riza who knew Low's younger brother, Taek Szen, from their time together in London.
"This family connection likely facilitated Low's access to my contact information.
"At the same time many Malaysians would also have my personal mobile number. This, I must say, is the Malaysian political culture, not just with me but also true of previous prime ministers and other ministers," he said.
Najib's lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, asked if he had authorised Low to use his phone privilege to relay directions to his officers, which Najib denied.
"I would expect my officers not to accept such representation by Low without counterchecking with me.
"It was essential for my special officers, or any of my other officers to confirm instructions directly with me to ensure accuracy and uphold the integrity of communications.
"This approach was expected of all my special officers, or any of my other officers in order to prevent any assumptions or misinterpretations, especially when messages were conveyed by third parties like Low," he said.
Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial before presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues.