Prosecution to seek early dates for Najib's trial

Looi Sue-Chern Looi Sue-Chern Updated 7 years ago · Published on 5 Jul 2018 8:30PM · 7 Comments

The prosecution, led by Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, will oppose the defence's application for a media gag order. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, July 5, 2018.

THE prosecution intends to apply to the Kuala Lumpur High Court to fix dates as early as November this year for the trial of former prime minister Najib Razak.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers in a statement this evening said the application would be made on August 8, when case would mentioned in court.

The AGC also clarified that the High Court did not fix any trial dates during proceedings yesterday.

“The High Court only indicated when the possible dates for the trial could be, based on the learned High Court judge’s calendar.

“The High Court made it clear that the trial dates would only be fixed after the next mention in court, which is on August 8,” AGC said in the statement posted on its Twitter account.

Najib was charged yesterday with misusing his position as a government official to receive a RM42 million bribe as inducement to provide a sovereign guarantee on behalf of the Malaysian government for a RM4 billion loan from the Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) to SRC International Sdn Bhd.

The former leader, who fell from power after Barisan Nasional lost the May 9 general election, also faces three counts of criminal breach of trust in his capacity as prime minister, finance minister and SRC International adviser emeritus.

He claimed trial and has been released on a RM1 million bail.

The AGC said it was rare for trial dates to be fixed on the date of charge for complex and document-heavy white-collar crimes.

“...the prosecution is not expected to serve documents on that day also. The relevant documents will be served on the defence before the start of the trial.”

The AGC also said it would oppose the defence’s application to the High Court for an interim gag order on digital and print media to prevent them from discussing the merits of the case.

The AGC said the gag order permitted by Judge Sofian Abd Razak yesterday was interim in nature.

“A formal written application by the defence, supported by affidavits stating the exact nature and extent of the gag order, is fixed for hearing on August 8.

“The prosecution will oppose that application.”

Najib’s chief counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah argued during yesterday’s proceedings that the gag order was crucial to prevent statements that could affect his client’s case from being published.

He cited alleged incidents where his client had been subjected to a “trial by media”, even before yesterday’s court appearance. – July 5, 2018.

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Comments

  • He's lucky this is not Libya or some such country. Otherwise, he would have been summarily executed by the citizens.

    Posted 7 years ago by Savari CJ · Reply

  • Gadafi/Libya, Saddam Hussien/Iraq, ......

    Posted 7 years ago by Frank Chia · Reply

  • 42 years of services, 42 million in unexplained money and 42 billion in debts, not losses.

    Posted 7 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • First and foremost, and before arguing anything else, get this judge to recuse himself. There's valid reson to suspect he would be "UMNO friendly". This so-called temporary gag order permitted by him is reason enough to arouse our suspicion.

    Posted 7 years ago by Groundbreaking Views · Reply

  • The gag order on interim reports may be enforced. An accused's right to a fair trial overrides any public interest in reporting the news. Isn't it part of the Rule of Law that TDMahathir and his deputy (DPM) wants every Malaysian to observe/follow in this new Malaysia?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • U mean the learned judge will be influenced?

      Posted 7 years ago by Aiyo manaboleh · Reply

  • Get this over with. It's getting nastier by the day and the embarrassment malaysia has to face. Gag orders on Najib and his supporters would be a blessing. Tired of lies and stupidity.

    Posted 7 years ago by JK Unrowling · Reply