KUALA LUMPUR – In the latest episode of the Trick Lama podcast, prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, delves into the complex legal issues surrounding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s royal addendum case.
This addendum allows Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, a move that has sparked much debate. Shafee defends the legality of the addendum, referencing previous cases where similar legal provisions have been applied, including that of his own client, Kenneth Lee Fook Mun, who served his sentence at home after a royal pardon.
Shafee also addresses the controversy involving the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and its handling of the addendum. He claims that former Attorney-General Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh misled the court by not acknowledging the existence of the addendum during judicial review proceedings, a stance that led to the High Court’s dismissal of Najib’s application. Shafee calls for Terrirudin’s resignation, accusing him of a contemptuous criminal act for withholding this critical information.
Shafee further criticises attempts by the AGC to prevent public discussion of the case, arguing that the gag order aimed to protect the AGC and its former chief. He expresses confidence that the courts will eventually enforce the addendum, allowing Najib to serve his sentence at home, though he acknowledges the potential for political negotiations in the background.
The episode, hosted by Terence Fernandez, editor-in-chief of Big Boom Media Group, along with group chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin and group executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru), provides a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing legal and political implications of Najib’s case, offering a unique perspective from one of the key figures involved. |
Listen to the full episode on Spotify for an in-depth discussion with Shafee on this pivotal legal case here. – January 20, 2025