Judge furious that Najib did not attend the 1MDB trial
Bernama
Aug 19, 2021
Najib (left) is seen leaving the WTC to go to Istana Negara early Thursday morning to attend a session before the Yang-diPertuan Agong regarding the confirmation of support for the Prime Ministerial candidate. - Photo by Astro AWANI
This is after Najib's lawyer, Rahmat Hazlan told the judge that his client along with 114 Barisan Nasional MPs are scheduled to meet Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to voice support for UMNO Vice President , Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
"We are not sure what time my client is scheduled to meet His Majesty, but he left the World Trade Center (WTC) at 10.30am. I was told that he is now in a meeting there at any time, he can be called to meet the Agong as it is done on a regular basis. one by one, "said Rahmat.
After hearing the matter, Judge Sequerah appeared unhappy with Najib's absence and demanded that the trial continue.
"He (Najib) should have the courtesy to come here first. From the news reports I read, it is said that the meeting with the Agong will take place gradually.
"The case is ongoing. I will be back in 10 minutes and I want to know exactly what time he will meet with His Majesty. After it is over, he will return here for the trial to continue. I may not stop the trial at 4pm today. , "said Judge Sequerah.
After a short break, Rahmat once again told the court that he would update on Najib's whereabouts when he received feedback from Najib's officials.
Following that, Judge Sequerah reprimanded Najib for giving a commitment at a certain time because the trial had to continue at 2.30pm.
"Please let me know all the time because because I intend to continue it no matter what happens. Be prepared for extended time because we have lost a lot of time.
"We all have a job to do. If the Yang di-Pertuan Agong calls facing, he needs to be there but what I understand is he doesn't need to be there all day. I need a commitment on what time he should be there (Istana ) and give his views to His Majesty and return here (for trial), "he said.
Yesterday, Najib had applied to the court to shorten the morning session of his trial as he had to attend an important meeting at WT C at 11am regarding the Prime Minister's nomination.
Judge Sequerah allowed his final application because the importance of the meeting was to reach a solution on the current state of affairs of the country at this point.
"So, just because of that I don't want to give the impression that a meeting or other matter is also allowed. Only this meeting. I can consider allowing him to attend this meeting but we have to continue the trial at 2.30pm," the Judge stressed yesterday.
Najib, 68, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
The trial before Judge Sequerah resumes at 2.30pm.
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