KUALA LUMPUR: Parties in the RM2.28bil 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak have been reminded not to issue statements outside of the courtroom that could jeopardise the trial.
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who is presiding over the case, asked parties to refrain from making statements relating to the trial and to remain civil to each other.
"The only thing I can advise (to parties) is not to make statements out of this courtroom, make it a liberty to apply. So far parties have been civil to each other, let us keep it that way," the judge said here on Monday.
Justice Sequerah made the remarks after Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib told the court that the prosecution was objecting to Najib's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah conducting a press conference, saying it was bordering on contempt and impeding the court process.
Shafee held a press conference on Monday (Dec 9) afternoon in which he said he would be applying to the court to interview former Goldman Sachs officer Roger Ng, who has been convicted in the United States court for his role in 1MDB.
"Anything said, in evidence, is still subject to our cross-examination. Bringing this matter to the public and media amounts to subjudice and hinders the trial," DPP Ahmad Akram said.
"Tan Sri's remark (in the press conference) was 'Let us see what the prosecution has to say about this' does not hurt our ego but places extra pressure on us to respond to an application they have yet to submit. This must stop," he added.
Shafee however argued that he did not understand the objection from the prosecution as he had already informed the court of his intention to interview Ng during the morning proceedings.
"I've said this in open court and I notified the press. I want to hear what the prosecution has to say," Shafee said.
Justice Sequerah told Shafee that while the lawyer was at liberty to make the application, he ought to refrain from making a press statement about it.
On Oct 30, Najib was ordered by the High Court to enter his defence on four counts of using his position to obtain RM2.28bil gratification from 1MDB's funds and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount.
The hearing continues on Tuesday (Dec 10).
