Attorney-general Tommy Thomas has assured the public that former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak will be given a fair trial in his criminal breach of trust and graft case.
He said this after court proceedings today, during which Najib pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal breach of trust and one for abuse of power in relation to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.
Addressing the fear the accused would not be accorded due process, Thomas pointed out that the prosecution did not object to bail being given.
Bail had been set at RM1 million for all four charges, with two sureties. High Court judge Sophian Abdul Razak allowed Najib to pay half the sum today and the remainder on Monday. Najib was also asked to surrender his two passports.
"We gave him an opportunity to post bail didn't we? We did not object. We will ensure a fair trial," Thomas told members of the press.
More charges to come?
The attorney-general added that the charges levelled against Najib were based on the first investigation paper, and did not discount the possibility of more charges based on subsequent investigation papers.
"There will be more investigation papers coming as promised by the MACC.
"This was the first investigation paper on my table when I clocked in three weeks ago. (Today's charges) are the fruits of that investigation. No doubt there will be more investigation papers," he said.
It is understood that Najib could face further charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Tommy also noted that the prosecution has a strong prima facie case which will be proved during the course of the trial.
"We accept he is innocent until proven guilty. We were generous to bail. We do not object to bail. It is a matter of principle that we acted fairly," he said.
As to why the 1MDB taskforce issued a statement saying that Najib would be charged today, Thomas said it was clear that the charges were being brought by the Attorney-General's Chambers.
This follows Malaysian Bar president George Varughese calling into question yesterday the legality of the taskforce issuing the statement.
Thomas also admitted that he did not expect to be heckled when giving a press conference at the lobby of the court complex.
A number of Najib supporters chanted "Melayu, Melayu" when he addressed the media in English and not Bahasa Malaysia. - Mkini
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