Tommy asks if Najib trial can be conducted in English

The attorney-general says this after the four charges against the former prime minister were read in Malay.

Tommy Thomas. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, who is leading the prosecution in the case against former prime minister Najib Razak, today applied to the High Court to have the trial conducted in English.

Speaking in Malay to judge Zainal Abidin after the four charges were read in Malay, Tommy said: “Saya mohon prosiding dalam mahkamah dibuat dalam Inggeris” (I apply to have the court proceedings to be conducted in English).

Tommy’s knowledge of the national language was among issues raised by his critics when he was named to replace Mohamed Apandi Ali as the AG.

Following the criticism, the former lawyer who was in private practice promised to brush up on his Malay.

“I was dealing basically with commercial clients and commercial documents and I have neglected my Bahasa.

“I promise to brush it up,” he had said. - FMT