Kuala Lumpur High Court Dismisses Najib’s Bid for Permanent Stay in 1MDB Case
Najib’s Application Rejected
The Kuala Lumpur High Court has dismissed Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for a permanent stay of the criminal breach of trust case involving RM6.6 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds sent to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). According to Free Malaysia Today, Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin confirmed that Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, did not file a formal application.
Prosecution Must Be Provided Opportunity to File Affidavit in Reply
Jamil added that the prosecution must be provided the opportunity to file an affidavit in reply. He also questioned whether the court could give the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) sought by former treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Irwan Serigar Abdullah rather than the prosecution.
Applications for Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA)
Both Najib and Irwan applied for a DNAA as the prosecution did not submit important documents to the defence. Irwan’s lawyer, Datuk K Kumaraendran, applied for the DNAA today, while Shafee requested a permanent stay due to the prosecution not providing key documents to the defence despite the court ordering to do so four months ago.
Prosecution’s Lack of Control
The prosecution, handled by deputy public prosecutor Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi, said that his side did not have any control over the matter, as the declassifying documents under the Official Secrets Act depended on the "respective ministries", as quoted.
Charges and Next Proceedings
Najib and Irwan were charged in October 2018 with six counts of criminal breach of trust in regards to the RM6.6 billion in government funds transferred to Abu Dhabi-owned corporation IPIC. The proceeding has been scheduled to continue, with Najib set to answer the charges on December 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kuala Lumpur High Court has dismissed Najib’s bid for a permanent stay in the 1MDB case, and the proceeding will continue with Najib set to answer the charges on December 2. The court has also given the prosecution the opportunity to file an affidavit in reply, and both Najib and Irwan have applied for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the case about?
The case is about the alleged misappropriation of RM6.6 billion in government funds transferred to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). - Who are the accused?
Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the former Prime Minister, and Tan Sri Irwan Serigar Abdullah, the former treasury secretary-general. - What is the alleged offense?
Criminal breach of trust. - What is the next step in the proceeding?
Najib is set to answer the charges on December 2, and the court will continue to hear the case.