Najib pleads not guilty to CBT, abuse of power (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: After being charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) and one count of abuse of power, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak pleaded not guilty to the extensive corruption case of RM42 million linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
When taken to the High Court, he claimed trial to the charges involving the state fund he founded read out in front of Justice Mohd Sofian Abd Razak.
The court set bail for a total of RM1 million with two sureties.
The judge also ordered for the former premier’s two passports, normal and diplomatic passport to be impounded by the court.
In the courtroom, Attorney General Tommy Thomas who prosecuted asked for bail to be set at RM4 million and for the sum to be paid to court in cash.
“Look at it from the constitution and perspective of public interests and courts. How my learned friend (Shafee Abdullah) downplayed the RM42 million charge which the whole world has known. This has brought shame to the country,” he argued.
However, Najib’s counsel Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah asked for a lower bail amount as his client posed no flight risk and his bank accounts have been frozen.
He pleaded for bail to be between RM500,000 to RM800,000, his passport surrendered to court and that Najib’s children Nooryana and Norashman will act as sureties.
“My client, through his children and wife, has to ask around from their relatives to raise money. They have some amount but by far not RM4 million,” Shafee said.
He allegedly committed the breach of trust and abuse of power when he held the office as a public officer as Prime Minister and Finance Minister when he helmed Malaysia for 9 years since 2009.
His children Nazifuddin, Nizar, Puteri Norlisa, Nooryana and Norashman were present in court.
Lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran had watching brief on behalf of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor who was not in court today.
Pasir Salak Umno Chief Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Umno Women Chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad were also seen at court lending support to Najib.
The judge granted the defence's application for an interim gag order after defence counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah applied for the interim order against any statements which can potentially affect his client's case as per the four charges.