New judge to hear Najib's CBT case

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. -AP filepic

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): A new judge will hear the case of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who has been charged with criminal breach of trust (CBT) and abuse of power involving RM42mil of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

According to a source, High Court judge Justice Mohd Sofian Abd Razak, who had recorded Najib's plea, would be transferred to the new Civil Court 10, effective Aug 1.

“It is a normal routine for a judge to be transferred to another court,” the source said.

Another source said that the transfer letter was signed by Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim earlier this week.

It is learnt that judge Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali from the new Commercial Court 1 will replace Justice Mohd Sofian at the Criminal High Court 3.

Reporters failed in their attempt to get Justice Mohd Sofian's reaction on the matter.

On July 4, Najib, 65, pleaded not guilty before Justice Mohd Sofian to three counts of CBT and one count of abuse of power involving SRC International funds.

It was reported that the Malaysian Bar had called for Justice Mohd Sofian to recuse himself from the case as his elder brother, Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi, held  a position in Umno and also the Pahang state government.

However, the Federal Court chief registrar's office in a statement issued on July 6 said the selection of Justice Mohd Sofian to preside over the trial of Najib was done randomly.