Final SRC appeal: A fair trial was not accorded to me, Najib tells Federal Court

PUTRJAYA: The Federal Court has dismissed Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application to recuse the Chief Justice.

The former premier then sought permission to speak to the panel of judges and spoke about the failure to get an adjournment as well as his perceived mistreatment by the court.

"I feel a fair trial was not accorded to me.

"I plead that no offence is taken for what I’ve said and it's simply coming from my heart.

"That's how I really feel as an appellant at the final stage of the case," he said on Tuesday (Aug 23).

ALSO READ: Final SRC appeal: Defence applies to recuse CJ from hearing appeal

Earlier, addressing his supporters before the court decision, Najib claimed he had exhausted every effort to appeal for adjournment of the case.

“I’ve requested for a three-month adjournment but was rejected.

“Other cases were given adjournment but not mine,” he said outside the Palace of Justice.

“My counsels were not given... time to prepare,” he added, calling for continued support from his supporters and saying that he apologised if he should fail in the appeal.

ALSO READ: Final SRC appeal: Prosecution slams attempt to recuse CJ, says in 'bad faith'

The short address was received with tears and shouts from his supporters of “Zalim! (Cruel!) Hidup Bossku!”

On July 28, 2020, the Kuala Lumpur High Court sentenced Najib to a total of 12 years in jail and a total fine of RM210mil after he was found guilty of seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of position in the RM42mil SRC International case.

The Court of Appeal then upheld the conviction in December.

Najib is appealing the conviction and sentence.