We can’t control the press, DPP tells in 1MDB trial
KUALA LUMPUR — The prosecution in Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial today told the High Court here that it cannot control the press on how to report on the case.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib raised the point after Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah made a complaint to Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah on the recent articles published by various local media linked to his client.
Muhammad Shafee who referred to articles titled “Najib suspected receiving US$681 million to buy votes during the 13th general election,“ contended that the articles were prejudicial and unfair reporting as out of the US$681 million, US$620 million was returned.
“There has never been any proof that the money was used to influence the GE13 voters. There is only evidence that the money was given to various UMNO divisions and for corporate social responsibility efforts. We will be taking action against some media for contempt,“ he said.
Muhammad Shafee also complained that the 49th prosecution witness, namely MACC Senior Supt Nur Aida Arifin, 37, had drawn various “conclusions” about the case in her witness statement.
“My Lord, the outcome of the case ought to be determined by the presiding judge, and not by a witness in the proceedings. It is the obligation of the prosecution to remove hearsay content from the witness statement.
“I will be taking objections (against Aida’s witness statement). My client has been prejudiced,” he said adding that the defence objected to the “conclusions” made by Nur Aida in her witness statement.
At this juncture, Ahmad Akram countered that Nur Aida was merely making reference to a report lodged with the commission in 2015 where it was alleged that funds from 1MDB were used to buy votes during GE13.
“Thus, the media reports were based on what was said in the open court by Nur Aida. The witness was merely quoting an official report in verbatim which she later investigated, thus, we (prosecution) cannot control what and how the media reports.
“What is important is that what she said in court will eventually become evidence. She was just referring to a report and read it out loud in the open court,“ said the prosecutor added that MACC is duty-bound by the law not to disclose the identity of the real complainant.
Justice Sequerah took note of all the objections raised by the lawyer and subsequently asked the witness to continue reading the statement from where she left off.
Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.
Hearing continues on Monday.
–Bernama
