The corruption trial of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, concerning the alleged embezzlement of RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, had to be delayed on Tuesday due to the former Prime Minister’s confirmed diagnosis of diarrhoea.
According to Harian Metro, Dr. Mohd Hafiz Mohd Hoshni, the medical officer at Kajang Prison Clinic, informed High Court Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah that he had examined Najib, who complained of a stomach ache and had visited the toilet 3 times.
“Najib should rest for at least 2 days”
Sequerah then questioned whether Najib was able to undergo the trial proceedings, and Dr. Mohd Hafiz said that the drugs given might cause drowsiness, recommending that Najib should rest for at least 2 days.
“He seems quite weak, tired, and dehydrated,” the doctor noted, mentioning that Najib’s blood pressure was also quite low.
“I’ve given him prescriptions for buscopan, lomotil, and oral rehydration salts.”
The judge announced that he would adjourn the proceedings but insisted that the trial resume the next day. He then requested Dr. Mohd Hafiz to provide Najib with a sick leave certificate for the day.
Prosecution’s 50th witness was questioned whether BOD used their common sense
Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, former 1MDB general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan stated that the 1MDB Board of Directors (BOD) typically approved whatever Najib, the company’s sole shareholder, proposed, as per Article 117 of the Memorandum & Articles of Association (M&A).
However, Muhammad Shafee denied the allegation, questioning the prosecution’s 50th witness about whether the BOD didn’t use their common sense to blindly follow Najib in whatever decision he made.
“Article 117 states that the Prime Minister has the final say on M&A amendments, as well as the appointment and dismissal of directors and top management of 1MDB.”
It also states that any decision regarding investment, finance, and structuring involving the interests of the company, which are closely related to national interest, security, and government policy, must obtain written approval from the Prime Minister.
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Najib, 70, faces 4 charges of using his position as Prime Minister to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
