THE High Court in Kuala Lumpur today cut short the hearing of jailed former prime minister Najib Razak’s case, in which he is accused of misappropriating of RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, due to Najib’s apparent ill health.

Senior deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram, who is the prosecution lead, told Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah that he was informed by a Prisons Department officer that Najib’s condition was “quite bad”.

“The accused’s medication for blood pressure has been changed and it has adverse effects.

“I was informed that Najib’s condition is quite bad, but he is prepared to be here (for the trial) until 12.30pm. By 2pm he has to be taken to the hospital to see a doctor,” he said.

Sequerah agreed to adjourn the trial at 12.30pm.

The former prime minister who was clad in a blue suit was in the dock, while his wife, Rosmah Mansor and daughter Nooryana Najwa, were seen sitting at the public gallery.

Najib, 69, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering the same amount.

The trial continues with Ambank (M) Berhad Jalan Raja Chulan branch manager, R. Uma Devi, who is the 37th prosecution witness, reading out her witness statement.

On August 23, the Federal Court upheld Najib’s conviction and 12-year prison sentence for misappropriating RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds. – Bernama, September 12, 2022.