NAJIB Razak’s corruption trial in connection with 1MDB cut short today after the High Court was told that a key witness was infected with Covid-19 virus and another was a close contact.

The witnesses are Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating officer Nur Aida Arifin and Bank Negara Malaysia analyst Adam Ariff Mohd Roslan. 

Deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar informed judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah that Nur Aida was in quarantine and could not appear in court next Monday.

“My Lord, the 47th prosecution witness, Adam Ariff, whom the prosecution had planned to call next on Monday, is currently under surveillance as he has been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient,” said the prosecutor.

The judge adjourned today’s proceedings to Monday.

Earlier, the court heard the testimony of the 48th prosecution witness, Anti-Money Laundering Criminal Investigation Division assistant director Foo Wei Min, on Najib’s accounts in connection with money laundering.

Foo who first took the witness stand on October 12, completed his testimony today. He can be recalled if need be.

Najib, 70, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB and 21 charges of laundering the same amount. – Bernama, December 15, 2023.