We will not abandon our client in appeal, says Zaid

KUALA LUMPUR: Law firm Zaid Ibrahim Suflan TH Liew & Partners (ZIST) will not abandon its client Datuk Seri Najib Razak, says the firm’s partner and lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pic).

Zaid denied recent news reports that the firm would discharge itself if it was not given enough time to prepare for Najib’s final SRC International Sdn Bhd appeal at the Federal Court.

“I am surprised that a statement made in chambers to the Deputy Registrar found its way into the media almost instantaneously after the case management hearing,” he said, adding that the reports were “neither correct nor accurate”.

Zaid said his firm, ZIST, did not make any statement during the case management that the firm would be discharging itself as solicitors.

“We do not abandon our clients. Any media report stating the contrary is mischievous and regrettable,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also addressed in the post yesterday a statement made by Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin on Thursday on Najib’s case.

He said Hanipa’s statement, in which the latter insinuated lawyers who take on briefs at the last minute were motivated by money, was grossly unfair.

“I want to state categorically that throughout my career as a lawyer and politician, I have never been motivated by money or position. Justice is what matters to me.

“In any event, it is a preposterous notion that there is never a justification for a last-minute change of lawyers,” he added.

In Najib’s case, Zaid said there was a genuine need for a change of perspective and a reset of arguments in the former premier’s defence.Zaid said he believes ZIST would bring a fresh perspective to the case.“We are prepared to proceed with the motion for retrial,” he said.

He reiterated that his firm placed itself on the record as solicitors for the Pekan MP.

“We will continue to act for him (Najib) for so long as we have his confidence,” Zaid added.

On Aug 10, news broke that there was a possibility for Najib to change his line-up of defence lawyers in the SRC International appeal, owing to time constraints to prepare for the appeal.