SINGAPORE (July 4): The Malaysian High Court has today granted former Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak an interim gag order against the media from discussing the charges from now until Aug 8.
See: Najib pleads not guilty to corruption charges in 1MDB case
This request was made by defence lawyer Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, on the grounds that Najib has been facing a trial by media since Barisan Nasional (BN) lost in the 14th general election.
Earlier today in court, Muhammad Shafee said, "People have been making statements as if Najib is already found guilty. I request for the court to issue a limited order that there should not be a discussion on the merits of the case.”
"He (Najib) has the right to a fair trial."
Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, who is part of the 12-men prosecution team, said that the High Court judge overseeing the charges against Najib did not provide any grounds in approving the gag order on public from discussing the case.
Thomas also did not see why the gag order should be granted. "What is the point of issuing a gag order when the whole world would talk about it?" he added.
Thomas also said that the interim gag order should be limited to the topics of SRC International and the four criminal charges on Najib. He also expects the High Court to set out the extent of the order in due time.
“We objected to the gag order. We are not sure whether the court has jurisdiction to order the gag. Of course, I assure you, you can report on the proceedings today," he added.
Najib currently faces three counts of criminal breach of trust, and one charge under the anti-corruption act. He could face a jail sentence of up to 20 years and fined. He is currently seeking trial for all four charges.
Najib was today also granted a bail of RM1 million ($340,000) by the High Court, after he pleaded not guilty to all counts.
