News by Hafiz Yatim

Mohd Isa, who was also formerly a long-time Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, had claimed trial to one criminal breach of trust charge and nine counts of receiving a RM3.09 million bribe that is linked to Felda's purchase of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching, by Felda Investment Corp Sdn Bhd (FIC Sdn Bhd).

"The non-compliance (by the prosecution) does not justify the striking out of the notice. I direct that the notice be amended if (the prosecution) so wishes within seven days of today.

"The application by Umno Pekan to strike out (the notice of forfeiture) is dismissed," said Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali in his brief oral decision.

This came after two separate High Courts today were informed that Hasan and Akademi Pemuda are not contesting the order.

Presiding judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan ordered the prosecution to quickly prepare and give the documents to the defence.

The three witnesses are former Kota Melaka MP Datuk Wong Nai Chee, who was Najib's adviser in Chinese affairs, Batu Kawan Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Noor Ahmad and Companies Commission of Malaysia officer Rafidah Yahya.

Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the defence did not want to delay the trial, but to bring to the court's attention that the Court of Appeal had on Monday granted leave to Najib and Shafee's applications to remove the former Federal Court judge from leading the prosecution in their cases.

Former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram: The prosecution will prove that the accused (Najib) by his words and conduct made it clear to 1MDB’s officers, its board and others that Jho Low was his alter ego.

The Court of Appeal yesterday granted leave to Najib and his lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is facing separate charges over alleged non-declaration of tax and money laundering, to recuse Sri Ram, the former Federal Court judge who has been appointed as a senior deputy public prosecutor.

Riza's lawyer Syazwani Mohd Zawawi said the application to transfer the case was filed at the High Court last Aug 16 on the grounds that the trial would affect his constitutional right, the case involves complex issues and that it would take a long time if the case goes on trial at the Sessions Court where Riza is charged.

MACC DPP Allan Suman Pillai informed Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali that since the representations sent by the three entities had been accepted, the prosecution wants the court to fix a date for consent judgment to be recorded.