1MDB trial - US govt needs to disclose evidence to Najib, says BN

 

Barisan Nasional (BN) has urged the United States government to disclose evidence that may help Najib Abdul Razak’s defence in his 1MDB-linked criminal case.

The coalition’s Law and Democracy Taskforce head Azalina Othman Said said that any withholding of such evidence would amount to a serious breach of Najib’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.

Previously, it was reported that former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng’s legal team had raised an allegation that the US administration was in cahoots with the Wall Street investment bank to prevent Najib from accessing 1MDB-linked documents and testimony.

Former premier Najib has obtained an order from a US court for Goldman Sachs and its former banker Tim Leissner to supply documents and testimony vital to his defence against the 1MDB-linked criminal charges he is facing in Malaysia.

The criminal charges in question refer to the four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.28 billion in funds from troubled sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

The criminal charges are currently being heard by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

However, the US government has filed its own application to stay Najib's order against Goldman Sachs and Leissner.

In a March 14 letter, Najib’s legal team reiterated to the US court that the documentary and testimonial evidence sought by the ex-premier was vital to his defence of criminal charges in Malaysia.

“To withhold such evidence from Najib is a serious breach of Najib’s constitutional right to a fair trial.

“In fact, the US government should disclose evidence that may reveal important discoveries in respect of Najib’s defence.

“What is shocking is that the letter (from Ng’s lawyer raising the allegation) also said that the US government appears to be actively protecting Goldman Sachs and that the US government and Goldman Sachs are united in their interest, and this is very concerning.

“The right to a fair trial is a basic human right,” said Azalina in the media statement today. She is also a Parliament deputy speaker and Umno lawmaker for the Pengerang parliamentary constituency.

Najib was formerly BN’s chairperson. - Mkini