KUALA LUMPUR: Tensions flared in Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) corruption trial as a heated exchange erupted between the prosecution and defence teams over statements made by the latter outside the courtroom.
The prosecution led by deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib accused the defence of attempting to sway public opinion with statements that they claimed were 'misleading' and 'prejudicial' to the case.
However, the defence, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, fired, back, dismissing the accusations as an effort to silence their client's right to speak on matters of public interest.
The courtroom buzzed with intensity as both sides traded barbs, each asserting their commitment to justice, leaving the presiding judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah to intervene.
Akram at the outset of the trial, raised the issue stating that Shafee's conduct in calling for a press conference and talking about Najib's application to interview rogue banker Roger Ng for evidence in the trial was inappropriate.
"In essence, Shafee spoke about allowing the defendant to interview Ng and stated, 'We want to see whether the prosecution objects or not,' which amounts to pressuring us to respond.
"This implies that the prosecution must comply with their request, or else the public will turn against us. This must stop," he said.
Shafee countered that he did not understand the objection, as he had already informed the court of his intention to interview Ng during an earlier proceeding.
"I said this in open court and informed the press. I want to hear what the prosecution has to say," Shafee said.
Sequerah then interjected and told Shafee to refrain from making a statement outside of his courtroom.
"Can I just suggest the application Tan Sri (Shafee) wants to make, of course, you have the right to make it, but maybe perhaps we can refrain from making a statement about it.
"So far parties have been civil to each other, maybe, we keep it that way.
"The only thing I can advise is not to make the statement out of this courtroom. You have the liberty to apply, and it is a matter of your legal right, so let us leave it at that for now," Sequerah said.
Najib faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of laundering involving the same amount.
The trial continues.