Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohd Firuz Jaffril today chided the counsel from Attorney General’s Chambers for the late filing of the submission in the hearing of lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah’s contempt case.
Addressing senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan (above), Justice Firuz said: “I asked you to file your submission by May 17, but you filed it only last night at 11.33pm, I saw.
“As much as I love to read submissions before bed, if we proceed, it is not going to be good for your side.
“I have read (Shafee’s lawyer) David Matthews' submission, but I have not had an opportunity to read yours."
The judge thus suggested the case be heard at a later time, and postponed the hearing to 3pm today after both parties agreed.
On March 1, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas was granted leave to cite Shafee for contempt of court over the latter’s comments in a KiniTV video entitled "Shafee: This is completely bonkers".
The lawyer, who represents Najib Abdul Razak for his 1MDB-related cases, had made the comments after the former premier was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for three money-laundering charges on Feb 7.
In the video, Shafee (photo) had said he was confident of Najib’s chances if the judge had not been “influenced” and evidence had not been “fabricated”.
“[...] But we think our case is very good. Ok? If you leave the judge alone, do not influence the judge, if the judge is straight, if witnesses are not coached and evidence not fabricated, we should win. Ok?
“Much to our surprise. My opinion is we should win. Ok? Alright,” he had said.
Shafee, who was present in court today, is applying to set aside the leave granted for the contempt.
During this morning’s hearing, Matthews indicated to Justice Firuz that his client wanted to address the court to apologise for missing the previous March 25 hearing.
The judge turned down the request.
“His (Shafee’s) presence today is already a sign of an apology,” he said.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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