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Najib Calls for Chief Justice to Withdraw from 1MDB Appeal Panel

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Najib Calls for Chief Justice to Withdraw from 1MDB Appeal Panel

  • Najib Razak’s Final Play: Tossing the Chief Justice in the Mix?

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  • The story goes like this: Malaysia’s former PM, Najib‑Razak, is pulling a last‑minute move that could delay the Federal Court’s decision on his 12‑year jail sentence and the 1MDB corruption case. He wants to get the Chief Justice out of the picture for his appeal panel. Here’s the low‑down.*

  • What the Lawyer Wants

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  • The Move – Najib’s counsel filed an application to remove Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat from the five‑member panel.
  • “Bias” Claim – They say there’s a “real danger of bias” because of a 2018 social‑media jab by her husband aimed at Najib.
  • Spousal Tie – “Because of the spousal relationship… there might be unconscious bias,” the lawyer emphasised.
  • Potential Impact – The lawyer worries that the Chief Justice’s view could be swayed by those comments, jeopardising a fair hearing.

  • Why This Matters

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  • Timing – The Federal Court could deliver its verdict on Tuesday itself or push it back.
  • Deciding Edge – Grab that slot on the panel, and Najib could tilt the scales in his favor.
  • Prosecution’s Take – The opposing side is smoking a bit, calling it a “delaying tactic.”

  • The Court’s Response

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  • Court Opens the File – Said the judge that they’re hearing the new application today.
  • Bottom Line – Whether the Chief Justice actually gets removed remains to be seen.
  • Later Stakes – Either way, this wraps another twist into an already tangled drama.
  • Summing It Up*
  • Najib’s team wants a fresh panel to keep the jury out of the “bias zone.”
  • It’s a high‑stakes maneuver because the Federal Court’s decision wizard can either speed things up or stall.
  • In the end, we’re all waiting to see if the whole “move‑and‑pause” game works or just gets tossed aside as another timing trick.

    • <img alt="" data-caption="Supporters of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak shout slogans outside the Federal Court, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Aug 23, 2022.
    PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f5809b1f-1429-41e3-b266-ce707920b08a” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/2IP337QJIRJ6LEDPRQYQZBWMQY.jpeg”/>

    Najib’s Legal Gambles: A Late‑Stage Counsel Shuffle

    In a legal drama that could fill a Netflix season, prosecutors are calling out a “mala fide” strategy—someone who’s knowingly pulled a stunt to stall the case that began in 2018. Lead prosecutor V. Sithambaram didn’t hold back, labeling the move as “deliberately done to scuttle the progress of this case.”

    Why the Delay Is a Hot Topic

    Critics claim that Najib, the former Malaysian Prime Minister, has consistently tried to pull a fast‑ball, putting the legal process on a never‑ending hiatus. Seven moons after the first complaint, the wheels have been grinding, and the stakes are high.

    One‑Two‑Three: The Lawyer Switch

    • Just three weeks before the final appeals kicked off last week, Najib swapped his legal squad. Talk about a last‑minute surprise!
    • His original counsel, Hisyam, tried to exit the party, saying the time constraints were too tight. The court, however, declined to free him from duty.
    • Najib spun the decision as a moment of desperation—and confessed, “I am not ashamed to say, I was desperate, as would any litigant in my predicament.”
    Word on the Street

    What’s happening now goes beyond the courtroom. It’s about strategy, timing, and whether the halls of justice can handle a lead singer who thinks the final chorus should come later. Stay tuned for the next plot twist!

    ‘Unlawful activity’

    <img alt="" data-caption="Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives at the Federal Court, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Aug 23, 2022.
    PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ea1e10a7-989e-4220-95fd-6f947f489ded” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/CEXC5QKNYVLH7J6WKSDF3ZI4MM.jpeg”/>

    How the 1MDB Showdown Is Wrap‑Up‑Ready (Or Not)

    It turns out the final chapter of Najib’s legal saga is scheduled to be a Friday finale. But, hey, Netflix has a “continuing” feature, so it could end sooner if the defendants get their work done.

    Prosecutors: “We’re Done!”

    Last week the Crown team laid down their arguments, and the defense, still tied up with “prep time” issues, decided to stay quiet. Najib’s 69‑year‑old lawyer team said they couldn’t find the time to present a solid case this turn‑around.

    Nazique’s Mishap: A 10‑Million‑Dollar Mistake

    • What he did: Tapped into a state‑owned fund, SRC International, and got about $10 million (S$14 M) in a shady move.
    • Conviction: 12‑year prison sentence plus a 210 million ringgit (S$65 M) fine.
    • He bragged “not guilty” during the original trial, but the judges saw a different picture.

    1MDB: The Money‑Murder Mystique

    • Documents say ≈$4.5 B vanished from the fund under Najib’s watch.
    • Investigators traced more than $1 B to accounts linked to Najib himself.
    • It’s a story that sent bankers across borders and landed the U.S. Justice Department meat‑ball into its biggest kleptocracy probe yet.

    Najib’s Defence: “It’s a Fair‑Trial Fiasco”

    He’s been spinning about a 94‑reason list to get cleared—arguing earlier courts slipped up. Understandably he dusted his boots, citing his “new legal team needs time.” Prosecutors counter‑pointed that Najib knew the cash was from “unlawful activity” and leveraged his roles (prime minister, finance minister, co‑advisor) to scoop it.

    So, keep those eyes on Friday: the courtroom’s either getting extarited or the story’s wrapped up. Stay tuned!

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