Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer Nurzahidah Yacop said this was based on a statement she had recorded from Najib in November 2021.

“It was meant for political use, and for Johor Bahru Umno,” she said.

Shahrir was Johor Bahru MP from 1978 to 2018.

He is standing trial on a charge under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 for allegedly receiving RM1 million from Najib in 2013 and not declaring the sum to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). The funds were alleged to have originated from 1MDB.

To another question by defence counsel Syed Faisal Syed Abdullah Al-Edros, Nurzahidah said she had no knowledge as to whether the RM1 million payment was a “reimbursement” from Najib to Shahrir.

This comes after Syed Faisal claimed that Shahrir had used his own funds to implement the Puri Langkasuka housing rehabilitation project.

She said the explanation Shahrir gave to investigators on the matter in 2019 and 2020 was not supported by documentary evidence.

The witness also denied a suggestion that her investigations were “incomplete” when the charge was first brought on Jan 21, 2020, despite only obtaining Shahrir’s tax return forms from LHDN and recording Najib’s statement after that date.

The hearing continues before justice Jamil Hussin.