PUTRAJAYA, August 19 – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today recorded a strong objection to the course of the appeal proceedings of the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, which according to him involves life, liberty and his right to a fair trial is now at stake. As you all know, my lawyers have said that they do not want to continue (the defense) due to the fact that they have limited time to prepare. Unfortunately, the court did not allow them to withdraw, including my legal team,” he said in a media conference at the Palace of Justice here today.
Najib said as a result, the defense could not be presented in court today, and only the prosecution could present their arguments. The former prime minister said it was an unprecedented situation, which saw the defense left without a lawyer in a high-profile case. This matter is very serious and I hope the court will take into account and take corrective measures, he said, adding that his previous lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah had done a great job while representing him, but his side had ‘failed’ in the High Court and the Court Appeal.
Najib said he wanted to get the services of a Royal Attorney to represent him but the application was also rejected by the High Court. In such circumstances, I have no choice but to find a new team because I want a new perspective to my case, and that is why I decided to appoint Hisyam Teh Poh Teik and Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim as a team of solicitors,” he said.
