Looks like former prime minister Najib Razak will have to talk after all! After making an appeal to the high court for a gag order that will restrain the media from talking about his court cases, he was promptly denied of the application.
According to New Straits Times, Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali meted out the judgement after hearing submissions by the applicant led by counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and deputy public prosecutor Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Zakaria today.
The judge said that the existing law of contempt and defamation already provide ready measures to deal with whatever substantial risk of prejudice or interference with the criminal justice system. He then added that the former premiere had also fallen short of establishing his case. This led him to dismiss his appeal. Ouch! Talk about rubbing salt into the wound!
Source: Free Malaysia Today
Muhammad Shafie, Najib Razak’s counsel, had earlier asserted that the media frenzy surrounding his client’s case have resulted in a backlash that assumes his client’s guilt.
“It can be inferred that the applicant is seeking the world at large to be restrained from publishing in the media any reports or comments that would imply his (Najib) guilt,” he was reported saying.
Earlier, Najib had reportedly spent about 7 hours in the dock during the proceeding! That’s the longest he’s spent in the dock from all his charges!
Source: Getty Images
According to the NST, the embattled former prime minister has claimed trial to three counts of criminal breach of trust and another charge of abuse of power involving RM42 million linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). On top of that he’s also claimed trial at the High Court on Wednesday to receiving more than RM40 million from illegal proceeds linked to SRC International.
If he’s convicted, he could face a maximum 15 years’ jail and no less than five times the amount of proceeds involved, or a RM5 million fine, whichever is higher.
One thing is for sure, Malaysians are eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this political saga!
Also read: KJ Arrives at Sentul Police Station to Report Najib For Alleged Stealing of RM18 Billion GST Funds
