Najib on Trial: Live Updates (2)

KUALA LUMPUR: The historic trial of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak begins Wednesday.

Najib, 66, faces three counts of criminal breach of trust, one charge of abusing his position, and three counts of money laundering over SRC International Sdn Bhd funds amounting to RM42mil.

Stay tuned here for developments.

3:24pm: First prosecution witness, Muhamad Akmaludin Abdullah, 35, is called to the stand. He is an assistant registrar at the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

3:15pm: Thomas: "Evidence will show that Najib spent RM10mil to buy Chanel handbags in Honolulu.  Evidence will also establish renovations at his personal residence.

"Evidence will establish that the personal cheques were issued for, among others, payment for renovation works carried out at the accused's residence at Jalan Langgak Duta and residence in Pekan, Pahang and cheques issued to various Barisan Nasional component political parties," adds Thomas.

"The burden is now on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of the criminal charges preferred against him at this trial," says the AG.

3:07pm: Thomas in his opening speech says Najib is accused of offences committed during his time in office, when he also held the position of finance minister.  These offences were committed during his time in both positions simultaneously, combining maximum political power.

2:53pm: Court interpreter reads the seven charges again to Najib.

2:50pm: Justice Mohd Nazlan dismisses Najib's application (that the CBT and abuse of position charges against Najib are defective) to have his motion to be heard today before the commencement of the trial.

“That can be heard at a later date,” he said.

The court orders for the trial to start immediately.

-Star