Shafee accuses AG of giving 'political speech' at Najib trial

Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is leading Najib Abdul Razak's defence team, has criticised attorney-general Tommy Thomas's opening statement at the start of the former premier's trial for money laundering in relation to SRC International Sdn Bhd.

"We have serious complaints about attorney-general's opening speech. If you read the opening speech, you will find nothing more than charges. The opening speech is not enlightening to the court nor to us. 

"In fact, it doesn't follow the procedure under Section 179 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which says that you have to state what is your case of prosecution, and the manner in which you are going to prove that.

"The second part was zero. It was more of a political speech," he told journalists at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.

Thomas, in his opening statement, noted that Najib was both the prime minister and finance minister when the alleged offences were committed, which granted him "maximum political power and control of the nation's purse."

He then went on to list the charges facing the former premier.

The first day of Najib's trial adjourned today and will resume on April 15.

Addressing the media, Shafee also denied that the defence team was employing delaying tactics after it requested for a stay on proceedings pending a challenge against Najib's charges.

"There was no attempt to postpone again. What we did today is what all of you would have to do if you are charged.

"If you complain about the charges, you must complain before the start of the trial, so today we (did it) before the start of the trial," he said. - Mkini