Bar's appeal over Najib's reduced sentence among key court hearings this week

 

The Malaysian Bar has sought a declaration that the Pardons Board’s 2024 decision to halve Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s prison sentence is illegal, unconstitutional and void. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Several court proceedings involving prominent political figures and major corruption cases are set to unfold in the coming week.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal is expected to fix a date to deliver its judgment in the Malaysian Bar's appeal challenging the Pardons Board's decision to halve former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's prison sentence and reduce his fine in the SRC International case.

A three-member panel chaired by Judge Lim Chong Fong had on July 31 reserved its decision in the appeal, which challenges the High Court's earlier refusal to grant leave for judicial review of the board's decision.

The Malaysian Bar has sought a declaration that the Pardons Board's decision on Jan 29, 2024, to halve Najib's prison sentence — resulting in his early release slated for Aug 23, 2028 — is illegal, unconstitutional and void.

It is also seeking a declaration that the reduction of Najib's fine from RM210 million to RM50 million is similarly illegal, unconstitutional and void.

During submissions at the Court of Appeal on July 31, the Bar's lawyer Yeo Yang Poh argued that accountability was a fundamental pillar of the justice system and that the Pardons Board's functions should be subject to judicial scrutiny, adding that the board must be held accountable to the people.

The following week will see two further significant hearings.

The Klang Sessions Court is scheduled on Aug 11 to hear a criminal mention in the sedition case involving blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, better known as Papagomo.

The mention follows a recent High Court decision that overturned his acquittal and ordered him to enter his defence against charges of posting allegedly seditious statements against the government on Facebook.

Two days later on Aug 13, the High Court will hear a major application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission seeking a prohibition and restraining order against Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, the widow of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, over the alleged management of substantial offshore assets.

Meanwhile, the ongoing corruption trial of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the Jana Wibawa case at the Special Corruption High Court is on recess during the week of Aug 10-14, with hearings scheduled to resume from Aug 17 to 21. - NST