PAC trial of Najib, Arul Kanda begins with first witness
Monday, 18 Nov 201912:50 PM MYT
By NURBAITI HAMDAN
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KUALA LUMPUR: The joint trial of Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy relating to the tampering of 1MDB final audit report - dubbed the PAC trial - began on Monday (Nov 18) with the first witness taking the stand.
This came after High Court judge Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan dismissed an application by Najib's lawyers to postpone the proceedings.
The hearing proceeded with lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram delivering the prosecution's opening statement.
He said the prosecution will prove the extent to which the accused went to remove material from an official record to prevent disclosure of information.
Gopal added that Najib did this to conceal the truth on the 1MDB scandal.
"Najib knew, or it was certainly within his contemplation, that if the truth emerged, he would be exposed to civil or criminal liability for the reasons already stated.
"This is an objective fact which the prosecution will establish through the acts and omissions of the accused in the circumstances of the case," he said.
Sri Ram said Arul Kanda had abetted Najib in the transaction by his conduct.
"I am duty-bound to inform the court that at the appropriate stage, the public prosecutor will apply in writing to call Arul Kanda to give evidence in the prosecution's behalf," he added.
The prosecution then called its first witness, Prime Minister's Department (Parliamentary Affairs) secretary Daman Huri Nor.
The hearing continues this afternoon before Justice Zaini.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/18/pac-trial-of-najib-arul-kanda-begins-with-first-witness#3a4WLVmks0TuuAYY.99
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