KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the application of gag order is aimed to stop anyone from making prejudicial statements which can impact the trial.
He said the gag order is to ensure no unfair comments are made about the merit of the case in order to get it published by media.
“The gag order is to stop anyone from making prejudicial comments pertaining to the merits of the four charges and getting it published in any media.
“It will be applicable to all types of media, no matter traditional, digital or social media. If anyone breaches the gag order, it will be in contempt of court,” he told reporters after Najib left the court room today.
Muhammad Shafee added that Najib will also need to comply with the order.
“Doesn’t matter who speaks about it, it can be the commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), can be the minister of finance.
“It could even be Najib himself, if he keeps saying he’s innocent because of this, because of that. He too is prohibited, so let the court decide,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Shafee said his team is confident with the case as they have a good defence and based on today's proceedings, are confident they will be given a fair trial.
“Thus far I am happy, it (the proceedings) seems to be in accordance with the law, I hope during the trial, everything goes as expected.
“My client is not worried about the trial, provided we are given a fair share at the trial, which we are sure, look at the judge today, we are quite sure its going to be a fair trial,” he said.