Prosecution objects to bail for Najib

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 20 Sep 2018 4:15PM · 5 Comments

Former prime minister Najib Razak is accused of making inflammatory statements on social media to bolster his case. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, September 20, 2018.

THE prosecution today objected to bail being granted to Najib Razak on the grounds that the former prime minister has been making statements in social media for the purpose of stirring unrest among his supporters.

Gopal Sri Ram, who is leading the prosecution team, said if the judge grants bail, then it should be RM5 million.

“If our request (of no bail) is not granted, then we request RM5 million for all 25 charges due to the seriousness of the charges.

“This is a case where the accused had the trust of the people of Malaysia, and the charges are of a serious nature,” Gopal said.

He added that the conduct of Najib was described by the United States attorney-general as the worst case of kleptocracy in the world.

Gopal told the court that the fact an elected head is charged with a crime makes it a national crime.

“It has made Malaysia famous for all the wrong reasons,” he said.

Defence lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah argued that it was Najib who had earlier moved for a gag order when he was first charged over the SRC International case.

“I don’t know which Twitter my learned friend is talking about,” Shafee said in reference to Gopal.

“My learned friend is more than aware we were the ones who moved for a gag order so that nobody speaks (about the case and charges). They (prosecution) were the ones who objected. 

“The A-G (Tommy Thomas) came here and objected. You cannot blame us.

“The A-G who is one of those eminent constitutional lawyers who says there’s a right to freedom of speech.

“My client exercises it. They (prosecution) need to make up their minds.”

Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, chief lawyer of former prime minister Najib Razak, says today the prosecution needs to make up its mind on a gagging order. – AFP pic, September 20, 2018.

Shafee added that since Najib is already out on bail (RM1 million for the seven earlier charges), there should not be an amount fixed for this particular set of charges.

If bail is given, then it should be not more than RM500,000 in two sureties, he said.

Shafee also objected to the prosecution’s requests barring Najib from appearing at public functions, with exceptions to religious events, and not make public statements.

Gopal shot back that the amount involved was RM2.228 billion and the charges under the MACC Act were serious.

“The accused’s social position is not sufficient ground for granting or denying bail.

“That the accused enjoyed a high position in society is no answer and is irrelevant in his bail application.”

The lead prosecutor added that the gravity of the offence is pertinent to the bail.  – September 20, 2018.

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Comments

  • Shud have been Rm5m per charge hence multiply by 25 charges gives Rm125m. That shud be the correct sum IMO

    Posted 5 years ago by Ryan Li · Reply

  • Catch and release. PH think that this is a fishing game!!! By the way why is bail allowed for him on such humongus scandals of money laundering for self plundering. Why did'nt the prosecutor request and insist for no - bail hearing. Why so special ??? Is Najib still respected as ex-PM when the whole country detestation for him is already at boiling point and clamouring for him to be skinned and hung !!!!!!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Prosecution argument failed at first hurdles, so far. Could it be that they are trying to flush out the weak links in judiciary.

    Posted 5 years ago by Jubu Laza · Reply

  • With people saying derogatory things about Najib online, surely he too can reciprocate?..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Najib can also reciprocate when derogatory comments are posted online about him? Fair play!

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply