Najib still unable to attend 1MDB trial due to eye surgery

 

1MDB TRIAL | Najib Abdul Razak is still a no-show at his RM2.28 billion 1MDB corruption trial today due to his eye surgery last week.

The former prime minister’s lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah informed the Kuala Lumpur High Court that a doctor has advised the accused to take further rest.

“The swelling (around the eyes) has reduced. But the puffiness and redness are still there.

“He (Najib) has consulted a doctor who advised (him) to take a rest accordingly. He will continue to see his doctor tomorrow even though tomorrow is a (national) holiday (Wesak Day).

“I think by Thursday there is an excellent hope he would recover (to attend the trial on Thursday),” Shafee informed judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah during proceedings this morning.

The Pekan MP was not present at court while his two bailors were present during proceedings.

The trial was postponed yesterday to today due to Najib being on medical leave, following his surgery on both eyes on Thursday last week.

Sequerah proceeded to vacate today’s trial to this Thursday (there is no trial tomorrow as it is a public holiday).

The judge also directed both the prosecution and defence teams to ensure that fewer members of their respective teams occupy the courtroom during proceedings on Thursday, as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures.

Ahmad Akram Gharib and other deputy public prosecutors appeared for the prosecution today.

Najib is on trial for four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.28 billion of 1MDB's funds.

Besides being the former prime minister, the accused also used to be the finance minister and chairperson of 1MDB’s board of advisers.

1MDB is fully owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc).

The troubled sovereign wealth fund’s former chief executive officer Mohd Hazem Abd Rahman was set to be cross-examined by Najib’s defence team during proceedings this week.

Besides the postponed hearing yesterday and today, the RM2.28 billion 1MDB corruption trial is also set to resume this Thursday. - Mkini