Don't rush new AG for charges against Najib, says Sri Ram

New attorney-general Tommy Thomas must be given ample time to prepare his case against former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak on the 1MDB matter, senior lawyer Gopal Sri Ram said.

In a statement today, Sri Ram said although there were claims a charge sheet had been prepared against Najib in 2015, former attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali had declared that Najib committed no offence.

"As such, we must give the new AG a chance to review the evidence on file as fresh statements are being recorded from Najib.

"There is no point in rushing into court and finding oneself unable to prove the ingredients of the offence," said Sri Ram, who is also a former Court of Appeal judge.

He was referring to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's explanation on why his administration was taking its time in building a solid case against Najib.

Mahathir said this was necessary because his administration, unlike the one before, does not have influence over the courts.

Sri Ram said Thomas, who has pledged that prosecuting 1MDB related cases was his No 1 priority, has his job cut out for him.

"He has a team of DPPs to work on the case and they must all be given an opportunity to marshall the facts and evidence. And if any help is needed, we from the Malaysian Bar must give every support that we can to bring the criminals to justice," he said.

Immediately after losing GE14, the new administration initiated fresh investigations against Najib for money laundering and other offences related to 1MDB.

The police have confirmed that millions in cash, jewellery and handbags were seized from properties in Kuala Lumpur, which are believed to be linked to Najib. -Mkini