Sarawak Report editor on Najib trial: Judiciary can perform without gag order

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 10): Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown disputed Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's argument that a gag order is necessary to ensure his fair trial. Rewcastle-Brown said the Malaysian judiciary "can do their job without being influenced by the media".

Rewcastle-Brown justified her reporting on former prime minister Najib and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). Najib claimed that Rewcastle-Brown's reporting is prejudicial against him.

Rewcastle-Brown said: "These sorts of arguments are often brought forward. I am just reporting factually in this case."

"None of my reporting in this case has been substantially disproved," she told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex here.

Earlier today, theedgemarkets.com reported that Najib, clad in a black suit, arrived at the Kuala Lumpur High Court at 8:52am for the hearing on his application for a gag order to prevent the public from discussing the merits of his court case and criminal charges to avoid a trial by media.

Najib was also at the court to fix the date of the trial related to seven charges of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power, which were allegedly linked to RM42 million at SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. — theedgemarkets.com

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