Former premier Najib Abdul Razak slipped out of the Court of Appeal for a toilet break without informing anyone, including his lawyers, and this caused proceedings to be adjourned briefly.
During his lawyer Harvinderjit Singh’s oral submissions, Justice Zabariah Mohd Yusof, who chaired the three-person bench, noticed that Najib was not present in court.
he then inquired Harvinderjit about his client’s whereabouts. The latter turned around and upon noticing that Najib was not in court, told Zabariah that he would check.
Zabariah then ordered for a short adjournment of the proceedings.
When proceedings resumed after Najib reappeared, his counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah apologised to the bench.
“We apologize. Najib did not realise (he needs to inform the court before going to the washroom).
“Harvinderjit was doing a good job,” he added in jest indicating that everyone was absorbed in the oral submission that nobody noticed Najib leaving the room.
Shafee informed the bench that he had explained to Najib the importance of signalling to the lawyers present to indicate whether proceedings could be adjourned to allow him to use the washroom.
When met after the proceedings, Shafee explained that Najib was just being polite.
“He is not a lawyer. He thought he was being polite by going quietly to the toilet and not disturbing proceedings. He did not know he cannot leave. Not even for a minute (without asking permission),” he added.
The Court of Appeal was hearing Najib’s four appeals in relation to his ongoing case involving SRC International.
The former premier is facing seven charges for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering involving RM42 million from the firm.
Meanwhile, Shafee also said his hand felt better following the injury sustained when his guard dog playfully jumped on him, causing the senior lawyer to fall, and proceedings to be adjourned.
“It is much better (now). (Previously it was) Swelling,” he added.
Mkini
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