Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has withdrawn his suits against three top government law enforcers investigating the 1MDB scandal, just three weeks after initiating the legal action.
The withdrawal of the suits against attorney-general Tommy Thomas, MACC chief Mohd Shukri Abdull and police CCID director Amar Singh were made by Najib's lawyer Badrul Hisham Abdullah today before High Court deputy registrars.
However, the reason for the withdrawal of the suits remains unknown. Badrul Hisham indicated the application was filed it before Najib was charged with four counts of corruption on July 4.
"We withdraw to also realign with Najib's defence team," he added.
Senior federal counsel Alice Loke and Suzana Atan, who appeared for the three officials, informed reporters of the withdrawal.
"No order was made as to costs," Loke said.
On June 30, Najib sought to disqualify Thomas from prosecuting him, citing the latter’s 2016 opinion piece "Grand Larceny in 1MDB" in Malaysiakini, penned shortly after the US Department of Justice filed its civil forfeiture suits against the state investment firm.
The application today was heard before High Court deputy registrar Norhatij Abdul Hamid and senior assistant registrar Shahril Anuar Ahmad, in Kuala Lumpur.
Najib has been charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust regarding SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB and another charge for abuse of power.
Reuters had reported that Najib filed the ex-parte suit application against Thomas, Shukri and Amar, claiming they were prejudiced against him.
With regard to Shukri, Najib complained the MACC chief commissioner held a “tell all” press conference after he was re-appointed to head the commission.
On Amar, the former Umno president said in an affidavit in support that several police reports were lodged against Amar for allegedly violating police standard operating procedures.
-Mkini
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