Datuk Seri Najib Razak has withdrawn his suit against the government over charges brought against him in criminal cases linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
However, he has maintained his claims against former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in the civil suit.
Najib, 69, is seeking RM1.9 million in damages and a declaration that Thomas had committed misfeasance in public office.
The former prime minister’s counsel Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad notified the High Court of his client’s decision to discontinue the civil suit against the government this morning.
However, he did not give any reasons for the discontinuance.
Thomas’ lawyer Alan Adrian Gomez told Judge Datuk Ahmad Bache his client had no issues with Najib’s decision as it was up to the plaintiff to proceed with, or withdraw his legal action.
Firoz had notified the court about his client’s decision at the onset of today’s hearing involving Thomas’ application to strike out Najib’s suit against him.
Najib, who is serving 12 years jail after losing his appeal against the SRC International conviction for abuse of the company funds, was present in court today.
He appeared in a grey suit and sat in the public gallery surrounded by six guards – two on each side and another two behind him.
His wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor was also present. However, Thomas did not attend the proceedings.
Najib is suing Thomas over charges brought against him in the 1MDB case, the 1MDB-Tanore trial, the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) case and the money laundering case under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 case.
However, he did not include the SRC case in his suit.
In his statement of claim, Najib said he had been wrongfully accused in court over the four 1MDB-related cases.
The Pekan member of parliament claimed the charges against him were part of a move planned in advance by Thomas, which was also in line with the Pakatan Harapan government’s agenda at the time.
Najib claimed that in 2015, Thomas had met Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss Najib’s alleged wrongdoing and mismanagement involving 1MDB funds and also advised Dr Mahathir to take civil and criminal action against him over his involvement in 1MDB.
Najib is seeking RM1.9 million in damages and a declaration that Thomas had committed misfeasance in public office.
The hearing continues. – NST