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

PUTRAJAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has applied for Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat to be recused from hearing the final appeal of the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.

At the beginning of the hearing here on Tuesday (Aug 23), his counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik informed the court that he had received instructions from his client to make the application, which had been filed late last night.

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"The application has been processed and given a (case) number," he said.

He said the application was made with "the greatest respect" and it was to raise a point of law and not to delay the proceedings.

In the originating motion, viewed by The Star, Najib is seeking for the CJ to recuse herself from hearing or deciding in the appeal and for a new panel to preside over the appeal.

In the supporting affidavit, Najib said there was a Facebook post by an individual named "Zamani Ibrahim" on May 11, 2018.

The post spoke about Najib being "dethroned" after the GE14.

"I verily believe the above-named individual Zamani Ibrahim is the husband to the honourable Chief Justice that is the chairperson of the judicial panel that is hearing my final appeal of the SRC case in the Federal Court," he stated in the affidavit.

Najib further stated that he found out about the Facebook post on Aug 17 and it was "highly disturbing" that Zamani had negative sentiments towards his premiership and had concluded that Najib had siphoned sovereign government funds into his personal accounts.

"Being the husband of the chairperson that is adjudicating my appeal it is likely that he would have influenced the thinking of the mind of the chairperson as to my alleged culpability," he added.

The court stands down to prepare for the hearing of the recusal motion.