The graft trial of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was adjourned after the former prime minister said he was feeling unwell owing to sleep deprivation.
Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah informed Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah after a brief recess on Monday (Jan 6) that his client was unwell, having suffered from sleeplessness over the past three to four days.
“My Lord, my client has not slept for the last three to four days because of what he was expecting this morning (the Court of Appeal decision on the royal addendum). He is not feeling good. Apart from that, lawyer Muhammad Farhan is also not feeling well.
“We wonder if Yang Arif would be kind enough to take off now and we will continue in the morning,” the veteran lawyer requested.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib did not object to the request.
Justice Sequerah then agreed to adjourn the trial, which will resume at 9.30am Tuesday (Jan 7).
Earlier, Najib gave a thumbs up after the Court of Appeal reinstated his judicial review to challenge the existence of an addendum order by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, allegedly allowing him to serve his jail sentence under house arrest.
Shafee said Najib was relieved and happy that the court had finally acknowledged elements of injustice in the case.
“From afar I saw he gave his thumbs up. He is hoping to see and to start breathing again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Najib in his Facebook account posted – “Praise be to Allah. Today, we take another step forward.”