Najib discharges ZIST defence team in final SRC appeal

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has been told by lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik that Zaid Ibrahim Suflan TH Liew & Partners (ZIST) is no longer with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the SRC International Sdn Bhd appeal.

At the outset of the proceedings, Hisyam stood up to tell the apex court that ZIST has been let go.

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"The solicitors have been discharged by the appellant," he said here on Friday (Aug 19).

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat responded, "I see."

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Hisyam is still Najib's counsel on the record, as directed by the panel of judges that dismissed his application to discharge himself on Thursday (Aug 18).

Hisyam, who maintains his refusal to submit on the appeal, is currently sitting in the proceedings.

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Just days before the hearing began on Aug 15, ZIST's partner and lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said in a statement that ZIST would not abandon its client, Najib.

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

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The hearing resumes with lead prosecutor Datuk V. Sithambaram making his submissions.

MORE TO COME