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PUTRAJAYA: Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has filed an application to recuse Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat from presiding over his final appeal against a 12-year jail term and RM210 million (US$46.8 million) fine.
Najib’s lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik informed the Federal Court on Tuesday (Aug 23) that the application was filed the night before.
Citing a social media post by the Chief Judge’s husband in 2018, Mr Teh said it is clear that he had negative sentiments towards Najib’s leadership. He argued that this was grounds for the Chief Justice to recuse herself from the proceedings.
“I want to emphasise that this application is made with the greatest of respect to the court,” the lawyer said.
Mr Teh was joined by Mr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah in the defence’s application. The latter was previously discharged by Najib before Mr Teh was appointed.
Mr Shafie asked for the court to adjourn the hearing of the recusal application so that he could mount proper oral submissions. But the bench dismissed his request.
Ad hoc prosecutor V Sithambaram objected to the recusal application, saying that it was done in bad faith and to delay the proceedings on Tuesday. “This is a clear process of abuse of the court,” he said.
When the Chief Justice asked if the defence would be making a submission in relation to the final appeal hearing, Mr Teh replied no.
On Tuesday, Najib arrived at the court at around 9.20am.
Earlier, Bernama reported that six buses believed to be carrying Najib’s supporters were seen in the vicinity of the Federal Court.
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