KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 22 -- Datuk Seri Najib Razak has acknowledged that the RM42 million channelled into his personal accounts was not connected to an alleged donation from the Saudi royal family, telling the High Court this emerged only with "subsequent knowledge".

His remarks came during cross-examination in a civil suit filed by SRC International and its subsidiary, Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd, to recover funds they say were misappropriated.

According to Free Malaysia Today, SRC's counsel Kwan Will Sen pressed the former prime minister repeatedly on whether he still maintained the money originated from a Saudi donor.

"At this very moment, do you still maintain that the RM42 million is from the Saudi donation?" Kwan asked.

"At that part...