I have no lawyer, says Najib after Hisyam’s caper

PUTRAJAYA: After seeing a slew of applications being dismissed, including one that saw his lead counsel unable to discharge himself, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is claiming that he has been left without a lawyer.

His lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik had earlier applied to discharge himself after failing to get an adjournment in one last plea before a panel of five judges.

The application was again denied. The judges had already denied a similar application on Tuesday.

On Monday, they had also rejected an application to adduce new evidence.

Najib spoke to the press later to say he has taken exception to the many refusals by the Federal Court, claiming that his rights to life, liberty and a fair hearing were at stake.

“I wish to record my objection in the strongest terms over the appeals proceedings today,” he said.

Najib said the dismissal of the discharge application had resulted in a situation where he was unable to put across his defence and only the prosecution was able to make its submission.

“In such a high profile case, this is totally unprecedented, that in a criminal case, the defence is left without any counsel.

“I’m now left in fact and in reality without a defence counsel. That is the most unfortunate part,” he added.

Hisyam, who also spoke to the media, said that without an extension of time, his team was unable to effectively represent Najib.

“I can see no meaningful way that I can play as far as the proceedings are concerned because we are in fact not prepared,” the senior lawyer said.

“So in essence, Najib has got no legal representation. That is the bottom line,” he added.

When approached, a member from the prosecution team said that on record, Hisyam was still Najib’s counsel and that he (Hisyam) was present in court throughout the proceedings.

Najib had come to the court yesterday accompanied by his family. His children, Mohd Nizar, Norashman and Nooryana Najwa were seen sitting behind him at the public gallery.

Later, his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor came to show her support.