What happened on the first day of Najib’s trial?
After much anticipation, the trial of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s case regarding SRC International has commenced. On its first day, a group of Najib’s supporters was chanting “Bossku” and “Hidup Najib” at the waiting area of the court building.
Before the trial began, Najib’s lead defence council Muhammad Shafee Abdullah informed the court that he filed a certificate of urgency to challenge the validity of certain charges. However, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas objected and called it a “delay tactic”, claiming the defence had more than enough time to bring up this matter earlier.
Then, Tommy proceeded with an opening speech, reading out the charges against the accused. They are, three counts of criminal breach of trust, three counts of money-laundering, and one count of abuse of power.
Besides, the AG also requested an explanation on how the accused laundered money to his personal bank accounts and several company accounts, a shopping spree in Honolulu’s Chanel, home renovations, and funding a few BN parties.
“The burden is now on the Prosecution to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Accused, Mohd. Najib bin Hj Abd Razak is guilty of the criminal charges preferred against him at this trial.” – Tommy Thomas from the MalayMail
The first witness Muhamad Akmaludin Abdullah (35), an assistant registrar at Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) was summoned to take the stand. He was tasked to provide company and businesses information to public and government agencies.
Akmaludin explained the details of SRC International and later confirms that he received a request from the MACC to examine records of three companies: SRC International, Gandingan Mentari and Ihsan Perdana.
After the defence counsel cross-examined the first witness, they picked the brain of Akmaludin about the document submission process of a company to SSM.
Outside the court, Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle Brown gathered the crowds attention. She witnessed the trial via a video-link room. Her comments on the trial is that it was interesting and she was ready to see justice done.
Her departure from court was witnessed by Najib’s supporters, who proceeded to shout “Allahuakbar Takbir” (Allah is greatest) and “tolak media asing” (reject foreign media).
The next trial date was set on April 15 to May 10. Justice Nazlan Mohd Ghazali reminded the public that an urgency to conclude the case is expected due to overwhelming public interest.
As the trial ends and Najib walks out form the court building, his supporters yet again chanted for him: “Allahuakbar Takbir” and “Malu apa bossku?” (What’s there to be ashamed of, my boss?).