The High Court has determined a trial date for the ongoing money laundering case of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak related to SRC International Sdn Bhd. In response to Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul's request for additional time to prepare due to the extensive documentation involved, Judge K. Muniandy has fixed the trial period from September 17 to 19 and September 23 to 24 this year.
Najib's defense, led by lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, argued for the dismissal of the case, citing postponements since 2018. Shafee sought a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on December 1 last year, highlighting the prosecution's delayed response to their letter of representation sent to the Attorney General's Chambers on July 31.
Addressing the court, Shafee emphasized the numerous case management dates and expressed concern about the prejudice to his client with further delays. Judge Muniandy, acknowledging the need for progress, opted to set a trial date on March 12 for case management, despite the prosecution's unpreparedness.
DPP Mohd Ashrof assured the court that a mere five days would suffice for the trial, leading both parties to agree on the scheduled dates in September. Judge Muniandy also stated that if the prosecution remained unprepared by September, Shafee could request a DNAA or full acquittal.
The case, originating in 2019 and involving money laundering charges related to SRC funds totalling RM27 million, has faced multiple mentions before the court. Shafee had previously applied for Najib's acquittal on three other money laundering charges in December last year. The complexity of the case, involving high-profile individuals and substantial documentation, has contributed to the extended legal proceedings. Additionally, the court noted another pending case, International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) vs Najib, adding to the intricacies surrounding the legal matters at hand.
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