1MDB trial: Jho Low’s code name for Najib Razak was ‘Optimus Prime’, Malaysian court hears
- The former prime minister was called ‘OP’ in chats by Low, who has been accused of masterminding the scandal at the state investment company
- Najib’s relationship manager at a local bank discussed where to bank the scandal-tainted premier’s money with Low, who remains in hiding
Joanna Yu Ging Ping, Najib’s relationship manager at Malaysian lender AmBank, told lawyers: “It means Optimus Prime. [Low] told me … OP is Najib.”
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In BlackBerry Messenger chats between Yu and Low – who many believe masterminded the 1MDB affair – Low served as interlocutor for Najib, asking Yu which account “OP” should use to issue a 10 million ringgit (US$2.4 million) cheque or asking her to tell the bank manager that “OP” would close his accounts when they were flagged after being overdrawn by huge amounts.
In the Transformers franchise, which encompasses cartoons, films and toy lines, Optimus Prime is the leader of the good Autobots, protecting them from the machinations of the evil Decepticons.
When asked by lawyers why she had gone to such lengths to ensure Najib’s checks did not bounce, Yu said “it was the prime minister’s accounts. It would have been an embarrassment if his cheques bounced.”
Yu last week admitted to the court that she had used her own money to “top up” Najib’s perpetually overdrawn accounts, although the money had been returned the next day.
Najib was not the only one to have received a code name. Last month, the court heard that Low referred to himself as “FL”, short for fei lou, or “fat boy” in Cantonese.
Low has been cast by United States prosecutors as a central figure in the 1MDB scandal. He has repeatedly maintained his innocence and faces charges including money laundering in Malaysia, where he was charged in absentia as his whereabouts are not known.
Stolen 1MDB funds followed ‘clear trajectory’ from Najib, authorities say
Najib is currently facing more than 40 charges of money-laundering and abuse of power. His first trial of five – on just a handful of these charges, involving a sum of 42 million ringgit (US$10 million) – is in its 49th day.
Supporters continue to maintain the former premier’s innocence, arguing that the charges were trumped up by the current Pakatan Harapan administration.
His trial has been a major news event in Malaysia, with many calling for it to be broadcast live.
In early July, pro-Najib activists gathered outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex to sing and demonstrate in a show of support. On July 25, the courts were forced to adjourn for the day following a bomb threat.
