THE prosecution and the defence in former prime minister Najib Razak’s money laundering case – involving RM27 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC) funds – are seeking an adjournment pending the outcome of the first, due to go before the Court of Appeal.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul informed reporters after case management, held in chambers before High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan today.

“The RM27 million SRC case has been set for hearing from August 2 to 9, but since the Court of Appeal has yet to decide on the appeal in the RM42 million SRC case, we have to apply for a postponement of the trial until the disposal that case,” he said, adding the adjournment was necessary because the cases were connected.

He also said Zaini has instructed both parties to write a letter to the court as such.

The prosecution will also send a letter seeking for the trial dates, which had been fixed in August this year and March and April 2022 to be postponed, he added.

Najib’s lawyer Rahmat Hazlan, when contacted by reporters, confirmed the development.

On February 3, 2019, Najib pled not guilty to the three charges of money laundering, in which he is accused of receiving RM27 million, proceeds from unlawful activities, in three AmPrivate Banking accounts belonging to him.

Najib is accused of committing the offences at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Bangunan Ambank Group, No. 55, Jalan Raja Chulan, on July 8, 2014, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.

He was earlier charged in the Sessions Court but the case was transferred to the High Court on March 13, 2019, following an application by the prosecution.

On July 28 last year, High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison and a fine of RM210 million after finding him guilty on seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of position, involving RM42 million of SRC funds.

The case is due to be heard at the Court of Appeal. – Bernama, July 28, 2021.