PETALING JAYA: The High Court's decision for Datuk Seri Najib Razak to enter his defence in the RM2.28bil 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case presents an opportunity for the former premier to prove his innocence, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"This decision is not confirmation of his guilt but opens a space and opportunity for Datuk Seri Najib to defend himself and demonstrate his innocence," the Deputy Prime Minister stated in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 30).
Ahmad Zahid was commenting on the High Court's call for Najib’s defence after the prosecution proved a prima facie case against the former premier.
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah ordered the former prime minister to enter his defence on four counts of power abuse and 21 counts of money laundering charges related to the RM2.28bil alleged to be misappropriated from 1MDB.
The former Pekan MP has elected to give his evidence under oath from the witness stand.
Najib's defence trial is set to begin at the High Court on Dec 2 and will continue until Nov 7 next year.
On Thursday (Oct 24), Najib issued a public apology to all Malaysians for the 1MDB scandal during his tenure as prime minister and finance minister.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that his statement was not aimed at questioning the court's decision.
He expressed continued moral support and solidarity in his capacity as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, as well as a friend, for Najib, who he believes is on "the right side of the law."
"We will continue to offer support to ensure he receives justice. We also pray that those truly responsible for the abuse are brought to justice and that Najib receives due justice," he added.
