Rosmah’s trial: Najib asked to leave court room

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Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak – Bernama file photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was today ordered to leave the court during the hearing of his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s case for corruption.

Najib, 67, in a short-sleeved red shirt was sitting at the public gallery  behind Rosmah, when he was asked to leave the court room at about 10.45 am, about 15 minutes after the fourth prosecution witness was called to testify.

Najib’s presence was noticed by deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, who then informed presiding judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan.

“During the course of investigations, MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission)  had recorded Datuk Seri Najib’s statement. There is a possibility that he may be a witness and I don’t think it is appropriate for him to be here,” Ahmad Akram said.

Rosmah’s lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh told that Najib came to court to support his wife.

“His name (Najib)  is not in the witness list that the prosecution will call,” he added.

Justice Mohamed Zaini then faced Najib and said “as a matter of caution, could I ask you to leave the court, please?”

Najib nodded, before walking out of the courtroom.

Rosmah, 69, claimed trial to a charge of soliciting RM187.5 million and two counts of receiving a bribe of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin, through her former aide, Datuk Rizal Mansor , for projects to provide solar energy to 369 rural schools in Sarawak.

She allegedly committed the offences at three places in Lygon Cafe, Sunway Putra Mall in Jalan Putra, at her house in Jalan Langgak Duta, Taman Duta and at Seri Perdana Residence, Persiaran Seri Perdana, Precinct 10, Putrajaya between Jan  2016 and Sept 7, 2017. – Bernama