Muhammad Shafee wants Sri Ram to recuse from conducting his criminal case

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who was slapped with two counts of receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM9.5 million from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and two counts of making incorrect filings to the Inland Revenue Board, is seeking for retired Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram to recuse himself from leading the prosecution team in his case.
Speaking from the accused's dock, Muhammad Shafee informed sessions court judge Azura Alwi that he would file a formal application to disqualify Sri Ram from conducting his case as the latter was currently the counsel representing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Court of Appeal in a civil case pertaining to the same RM9.5 million issue.
"The reason why I am speaking up now is because I do not want to be accused of having an afterthought. I do not want him (Sri Ram) to be in any way involved in this case," he said, adding that Sri Ram in that capacity was not independent and had an agenda.
Muhammad Shafee also revealed in open court that he shares a history with Sri Ram in the sense that they do not have a good relationship.
"We do not have a very pleasant relationship. We pretend to be civil to each other in court ... lukewarm at best," he said adding that it started in late 1970's pertaining to cases in court.

Sri Ram then stood up and replied: "I await the application".
Earlier, the court allowed Muhammad Shafee to be released on RM1 million bail with two sureties and ordered for his two passports to be surrendered to the court until the disposal of his case and set Oct 2 for mention.
On Aug 31, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had announced the appointment of Sri Ram, who is also a prominent lawyer, as Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor to handle the entire process of prosecution over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) affair.
In his media statement, Thomas said the appointment was made pursuant to Section 376 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code as Sri Ram had substantial experience in criminal law matters and he will act on a "pro bono" basis. — Bernama