Judge in 1MDB trial confesses to past collaboration with former counsel.

^{KUALA LUMPUR: Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, the presiding judge in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial, has disclosed that he had previously worked with 1MDB former general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan at a legal firm, around a decade ago.}

Justice Sequerah, who now serves as a Court of Appeal judge, made this revelation during the RM2.28bil 1MDB trial on Wednesday (July 26) when Loo’s name was mentioned.

Loo was previously considered a fugitive, but she is currently in police custody.

During the proceedings, Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah inquired whether the prosecution team intended to present Loo as a prosecution witness or offer her as a defence witness.

Justice Sequerah then interjected and informed the parties involved that he had known Loo many years ago.

“Since the issue has been raised, I would just disclose to the parties that the same individual (Loo) and myself were partners at a legal firm (Zain & Co), many years back… maybe 10 to 15 years ago,” stated Justice Sequerah.

“I thought I should disclose this since her name has surfaced in the trial,” he added.

In response to Muhammad Shafee’s query, DPP Ahmad Akram stated that Loo’s statements were currently being recorded by the authorities.

However, the prosecution team could not confirm whether Loo had voluntarily surrendered or was arrested.

“The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has not yet received any investigation outcome, and I cannot make a decision at this time regarding whether she will be called as a prosecution witness or not,” explained DPP Ahmad Akram.

“This is our current stance. Once we receive the investigation outcome, I will seek instructions from my superiors on whether to call her or not,” he added.

On July 12, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that Loo was arrested on July 7 by the police to assist in the investigation of the misappropriation of 1MDB funds.

The Home Minister added that Loo, through her lawyer, expressed a willingness to cooperate with and assist the police in the 1MDB case, in accordance with Section 409 of the Penal Code.

Najib, 70, is currently facing a total of 25 charges – four for alleged abuse of power that resulted in him receiving RM2.28bil in financial benefits, and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.

The trial will continue before Justice Sequerah.