KUALA LUMPUR: The 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak was postponed today after the former prime minister developed hematoma from his eye surgery.
Najib's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah informed the court that his client had obtained a seven days medical chit (MC) since last Friday.
He said Najib had undergone surgery on both eyes immediately after the last hearing on Thursday and was hoping to attend court this week.
"He was hoping to recover but unfortunately, he developed hematoma - which is defined as a collection of blood outside of blood vessels.
"We were all hoping that he could recover by yesterday but the condition has worsened," he said.
Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah subsequently allowed the case to be vacated today.
"Perhaps we can try tomorrow...we can just come and meet tomorrow as usual here. If he (Najib) is somehow okay then we can proceed.
"We will give him a rest today and see how he recovers," he said.
Najib, 68, is charged with 25 counts of abuse of power and money laundering involving RM2.28 billion of 1MDB funds which were deposited into his accounts between 2011 and 2014.
He faces 20 years' jail and fine, if convicted.