Kuala Lumpur: Najib Razak’s lawyers will submit fresh representations seeking that the prosecution drop charges brought against him for allegedly misappropriating RM6.6 billion in public funds via payments to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).
Lawyer Shafee Abdullah said this follows a new development in the case which saw the government recently settle its legal dispute with IPIC.
He said the sum of settlement was connected to the charges faced by the former prime minister.
“We urge the court to vacate the hearing this month and next month,” he told the High Court today.
Shafee said the defence previously sent a representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) in 2020 but it was rejected.
Lawyer K Kumaraendran, appearing for co-accused Irwan Serigar Abdullah, told the court he has recently submitted representations to the AGC on behalf of his client.
Deputy public prosecutor Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi confirmed to the court that the prosecution had received Irwan’s representation, and that the matter has been referred to Attorney-General Idrus Harun.
“In the meantime, we hope the court can vacate the trial pending the AG’s decision,” he said.
Justice Jamil Hussin allowed the postponement and fixed another mention date on May 29 for the representation.
Najib and Irwan are jointly accused of misappropriating RM6.6 billion in government funds for payments to IPIC in 2018.
Their lawyers had in the past sought a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) from the court on grounds that the trial has never commenced.
However, Jamil dismissed the applications, saying the prosecution was ready for the trial.
