Former premier Najib Abdul Razak has penned a letter to Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Zaharah Ibrahim to highlight his concern over the administration of justice in relation to his case.
The letter sent yesterday was regarding the change of the trial judge.
Najib's lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said a copy of the letter was also submitted to the current trial judge Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali.
Shafee said his client is not questioning Justice Nazlan's ability but rather the transfer of the previous judge, Justice Sophian Abdul Razak.
"There were no requests made for a recusal by the parties, that is, the prosecution and defence. Yet, Justice Sophian was transferred without any recusal requests being made.
"This raises questions on the administration of justice as the judiciary should remain independent.
“This is a highly sensitive case involving the former premier maybe next to Anwar Ibrahim's case," he added.
Speaking to reporters later, Shafee said while the prosecution had argued that it was a "routine" transfer of judges, it did not address the defence's concerns on the reason the change was made mid-trial and not in open court.
"You and I know that if they say routine, then you are not looking at the elephant in the room," he insisted.
Shafee also maintained that the changes were "unfair", not only to Najib but also to the two judges concerned.
"I want to place on record, it is not fair that you do things behind my back. It is not fair to Justice Sophian who did not do anything wrong.
"Some people may also look at Justice Nazlan with a jaundiced eye," he added.
Commenting further, Shafee said critics of Justice Sophian, including the Bar Council and civil society group G25, should have made an application to hold watching briefs during the trial, rather than push for his removal.
"The AG's Chambers has not said that he (Sophian) should be recused.
"The other third parties, they are strangers to the proceedings. So, in short, they have become busybodies," he said.
Najib earlier claimed trial to three new SRC International-linked charges for money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
He also previously claimed trial on July 4 at the High Court to three counts for criminal breach of trust and one for abusing his power as finance minister and prime minister in relation to the RM42 million fund under SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. - Mkini
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