THERE will be no live telecast of the trial of former prime minister Najib Razak, who is facing 38 charges in relation to the 1Malaysian Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo. 

He said news of the trial will be aired but there will be no live telecast. 

“No live telecast for his trial. But the news will still cover segments of the trial,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby today. 

He also said official media, such as RTM and Bernama, have limited time telecast the news. 

“There are other issues that can be broadcasted in this country,” added Gobind. 

Yesterday, Najib’s lawyer Shafee Abdullah said Najib’s trial should be aired live.

The former prime minister is facing 38 charges related to troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and affiliated units.

A petition at Change.org was started as early as July, calling on Gobind to allow the live telecast of the trial. At the time of writing, 25,000 people have signed the petition, which aims to collect 35,000 signatories. – November 1, 2018.