PUTRAJAYA’S plan for special courts to hear corruption cases has nothing to do with former prime minister Najib Razak’s trial, said Liew Vui Keong.

The de facto law minister said the proposal came about after taking into account how busy existing courts are.

“The matter was decided in a meeting chaired by the prime minister yesterday. There were views that our courts are busy with other cases.

“So, there is a need to set up special courts to handle corruption cases. They are for all corruption cases, not to speed up Najib’s cases,” he told a press conference in Penang today.

Liew was asked whether it is true the government had Najib’s cases in mind when it decided to set up the special courts, as alleged online.

“(The special courts are) for all graft cases. Some courts and judges have many cases to handle. We want judges who handle corruption cases to be able to focus on the said cases.”

Although there is no time frame for the establishment of these courts, it is hoped that it will be done as soon as possible, he said.

“We will look into the details and appoint specific judges for the new courts nationwide.”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the special courts will expedite proceedings of corruption cases, and are in line with the government’s anti-graft goal.

Meanwhile, Liew said renovations and repairs at the Penang High Court Complex, a colonial heritage building, will cost RM17 million.

The main building is sealed off due to damage, and courtrooms have been shifted to annex buildings.

“There are some issues with the structure, the ceiling. The wood is damaged by termites.

“The Public Works Department will come up with a final forensic report for the renovations and repairs,” he said after touring the complex. – March 20, 2019.