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PUTRAJAYA – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s defence team has again pleaded with the Federal Court for an extension – this time asking for a delay of at least three to four months.
Lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said this is to allow the team to adequately prepare and argue their case.
He added that he would be at a disadvantage if the case was to proceed as scheduled as he has to go over case facts involving thousands of documents and witness testimonies.
Hisyam pleaded that it is not his usual practice to ask for any adjournment or postponement unless it is absolutely necessary.
“We need sufficient time to prepare as I was told there were some 179 volumes (of documents) in this case. I come before my lords to ask for at least another three to four months.”
In reply, ad hoc deputy public prosecutor Datuk V Sithambaram said he will leave the matter to the court to decide.
“The court in this appeal is fully conversant with the facts and circumstances of this case.
“My learned friend has in the previous two case management been duly informed that this case will proceed on the aforementioned dates,” he said, referring to trial dates scheduled from August 15 to 26.
The five-member panel led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat then asked for another adjournment to deliberate on Hisyam’s application.
Other members of the bench are Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and the Federal Court’s Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan, Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan, and Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah. – The Vibes, August 16, 2022
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