KUALA LUMPUR: Some light-hearted moments in Datuk Seri Najib Razak's corruption trial involving his second SRC International Bhd trial at the High Court today brought laughter to the court room.
This after Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan told Najib's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah that he should not left his client in his appeal at the Federal Court recently.
The drama unfolded when Shafee told Zaini that he would return to represent Najib in his conviction review application at the Apex Court which was fixed for its first case management on Oct 21.
The judge then replied "Should have never left," which brought laughter in the courtroom.
On July 26, the former prime minister replaced his long-time counsel (Shafee) with former law minister Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim to handle his final appeal at the Apex Court.
Shafee had all this while led Najib's defence team in the SRC International case right from the time the former Umno president was charged In 2020.
Najib was convicted of all seven charges of power abuse, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to RM42 million of SRC International funds.
The then High Court Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali had sentenced him to 12 years jail and RM210 million fine.
Meanwhile, Najib before Zaini, is facing three additional money-laundering charges involving RM27 million from the SRC International funds.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul earlier sought for another mention date pending Najib's review on the RM42 million SRC International case.
Shafee did not object to the application.
"I have no objection because it has nexus to the first case (RM42million SRC International case). It is only logical.
"I presume by November they (Federal Court) should hear the review," he said.
The court then fixed Nov 29 for mention.
Najib, 69, is now serving his jail sentence in Kajang Prison.