Najib's trial dates not fixed

KUALA LUMPUR: The trial dates in the former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's case have not been fixed and the prosecution team intends to apply to the High Court on Aug 8 for trial dates to be fixed on November this year.
The Attorney-General Chambers clarified that the dates mentioned in the courtroom yesterday were just an indication of possible free trial dates.
"The High Court did not fix any dates. The court only indicated when the possible free trial dates are. The trial dates will only be fixed after the next mention which is on Aug 8," it said in a statement today evening.
The prosecution team intends to apply to the High Court for trial dates to be fixed on November this year on the next case management.
The court had yesterday mentioned tentative trial dates for Najib's case to be on Feb 18-28, then March 4-8, and March 11-15 next year.
The AGC clarified that in cases of document-heavy white collar crime, trial dates are rarely fixed on the charge date, which represents the first appearance by the parties in court.
"The prosecution is not expected to serve documents on the day also. The relevant documents will be served on the Defence before the commencement of trial," it added.
Najib's defence counsel Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah criticised the Attorney General Tommy Thomas who was prosecuting in the case for not having the relevant documents ready.
Thomas had retorted that it was ridiculous to expect the documents before the trial and cited a provision where the documents were only required to be given before trial.
Shafee argued that it should be "reasonably before trial" and that it should be given as speedily as possible and chided Thomas as there were allegations of attempts to charge Najib in 2015.
It also reiterated that the "gag order" is only interim in nature after Najib's defence counsel Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah made an oral application in the court.
"A formal written application by the defence supported by affidavits stating the exact nature and extent of the gag order is fixed for hearing on Aug 8. The prosecution team will oppose the application."
Najib claimed trial to two criminal cases, involving three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of abusing his position for the gratification of RM42 million said to belong to former 1Malaysia Development Berhad unit SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Thomas, who is leading the prosecution against Najib, said the cases today arose from an investigation paper by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that reached his office three weeks ago.