Kuala Lumpur: A forensic document examiner told the High Court here today that there were both similarities and dissimilarities in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s purported signatures on several 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)-related documents, rendering her findings inconclusive. Tay Eue Kam, a handwriting expert from PHA Handwriting Analysis Sdn Bhd, said she could not determine the authenticity of the signatures as she had only received photocopied documents from Messrs Shafee and Co for analysis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tay explained that when dealing with reproductions, it is impossible to exclude the probability of signatures being copied and pasted. She stressed the importance of comparing these reproductions with original copies to make a conclusive determination. All documents she received were reproductions, and while high-quality reproductions allow for examination, poor-quality ones pose challenges in identifying critical handwriting features.
The 59-year-old expert presented her testimony during the examination-in-chief by Najib’s counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, at the former premier’s trial over the alleged misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds. The analysis included 31 specimen documents such as bank cheques, government letters, and memorandums to verify whether Najib had penned the signatures and notes on seven disputed documents linked to the 1MDB trial.
Tay highlighted that while specific details like connection, line quality, and variations in pen pressure were not clearly deciphered in the reproductions, structural formation, key features, and orientation were scrutinized. She acknowledged that reproduction documents could sometimes be fabricated and considered these possibilities in her analysis.
On Oct 30 last year, Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah ordered Najib to enter his defense, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him. Najib, 71, faces 25 charges, including four counts of abusing his position to accept RM2.3 billion in bribes from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount. The hearing continues tomorrow.