The MACC's move to not handcuff former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and allow him his own attire at court today was lauded by Syahredzan Johan, special officer to DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang.
Syahredzan, who is a civil rights lawyer, said this marked a departure from the treatment dished out to previous detainees and should be the new norm.
"Someone who has been detained should be given the freedom to wear their own clothes when brought to court and not forced to wear lock-up clothes.
"The use of handcuffs should also not be practised if the individual detained is not dangerous and will not run away," he said in a statement today.
Najib was arrested by the MACC yesterday and was kept in their lock-up overnight.
This morning, he claimed trial to four charges, three under the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust (CBT) and one under the MACC Act.
While Syahredzan lauded the MACC, he deplored the gag order imposed on the media regarding the case.
The gag order was sought by Najib's lead counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and granted by justice Mohd Sofian Abd Razak.
Shafee said the gag order should cover the publication of statements or material on the merits of the case.
Syahredzan said this was against the principle of free speech which was enshrined in the constitution.
He explained that because Malaysia no longer practised trial by jury, media reports on the case could not prejudice Najib and impede his right to a fair trial. - Mkini
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