FORMER prime minister Najib Razak told the High Court that his stepson Riza Aziz made Hollywood movies with “clean money” that came to him as a loan from an Abu Dhabi-based fund.

The former prime minister said Riza Aziz, whose full name is Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz, accepted the money from Aabar Investments PJS because it was a “straightforward loan”.

According to Najib, who was re-examined by his lead counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, it was conveyed to Riza that the loan was a decision by Emirati royal Sheikh Mansour ibn Zayed Al Nahyan.

During cross-examination, the prosecution had suggested that Najib sought help from a member of Arab royalty in a phone call to get a legitimate agreement in writing to cover an alleged money laundering scheme involving Riza.Najib in his testimony said he disagreed with the suggestion because he was sure Riza would not have taken the money if it was not a loan.

“He (Riza) knew it was straightforward, clean money, given by Aabar. And as a result of that, he makes movies. The movies made money,” Najib said at the RM2.28bil 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial here yesterday.

The former Pekan MP said Riza had begun paying back a significant amount of the loan.

“His action shows that he believed it was a loan and it was clean money,” Najib added.