KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak was today given a tutorial on court procedures by the lead prosecutor in his SRC International Bhd trial.
This happened when the former prime minister was put in a spot by Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Datuk V Sithambaram in the course of cross examining the accused.
Sithambaram had questioned Najib on his ability to confirm some signatures while not recognising those in contentious documents which could implicate him.
"You are being very selective in recognising your signatures," he said, adding that Najib should explain why he was being so especially when some of the issues had also been touched on in his own witness statement.
After a moment's silence, Najib responded by saying he needed some time and asked if he could get back to answering the question later.
"Can I get back to you on that," he said, much to the amusement of the DPP.
Sithambaram then explained to Najib that the courts do not work that way.
"Unfortunately, you have to answer now, not later. When you are in the witness stand, you have to give an answer there and then. You cannot go and check with your lawyers...you are not even supposed to talk to anyone," he said.
Najib then answered that he could only verify his signatures depending on the contents of the documents he is alleged to have signed.
He also disagreed that he was being selective in recognising his signatures or was disassociating himself from impugned documents which implicated him to the charges he was facing.
"I do not agree...that is your opinion," he said when Sithambaram persisted on that line of questioning.
Najib, 66, is facing seven charges of abuse of power, criminal breach and trust and money laundering involving RM42 million of SRC International funds.
The trial before High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali continues.