Crime & Courts

AGC to decide on Najib and Serigar's representation on IPIC case tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: All eyes will once again be on the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) tomorrow as it is expected to announce another big decision - this time whether the case against former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah would go on.

The duo had previously filed a representation for the AGC to review their RM6.6 billion criminal breach of trust (CBT) case.

Both of them were charged in Oct 2018, and had pleaded not guilty to six charges of CBT involving government funds used as payments to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).

They allegedly committed the offences at the Finance Ministry complex in Putrajaya between Dec 21, 2016, and Dec 18, 2017.

The charges, under Section 409 of the Penal Code for CBT by a public servant or agent, carries a maximum 20 years' imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.

The case against them has yet to start.

This is the second representation letter sent by both accused, following their initial attempt filed in March, last year, which was dismissed by the AGC.

The court also struck out the duo's application to be given a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) for all charges last year.

The two made the application when there were no updates of the proceedings after they were charged five years ago.

Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin in his ruling said the prosecution in the case was ready with charges, however only the trial date had not been set by the court.

During the last proceeding on Aug 9, Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi said that the prosecution needed time to review both fresh applications.

Saifuddin said the defence counsels had brought up a lot of new developments which required the prosecution to verify them before making any decision.

It is understood that both accused had sent the fresh application due to several high-level government discussions between Malaysia and Abu Dhabi.

On Feb 27, the IPIC and Aabar Investments PJS agreed to pay US$1.8 billion to the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

This follows a settlement reached between the parties over their dispute regarding 1MDB.

Najib is represented by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah while counsel Datuk K. Kumaraendran appeared for Irwan.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories