Latest news with #MuhammadShafeeAbdullah
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Malaysian court drops money laundering charges against jailed ex-leader Najib Razak
A Malaysian court dropped three money laundering charges against jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, in a case linked to the multibillion-dollar looting of a state fund. Najib was previously convicted in a graft case tied to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund, or 1MBD, and began serving time in 2022, after losing his final appeal. He also faces other graft trials. The High Court 's decision to drop the charges alleging Najib received 27 million ringgit ($6.3 million) in illegal proceeds to his bank accounts came after procedural delays by the prosecution, which saw the case dragging on for six years, Najib's lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said. Prosecutors could not give the court a timeline for when they will be ready for the trial, he added. Prosecutors reserve the right to revive charges against Najib and a discharge does not mean an acquittal, Shafee said. But, Najib was happy and can now focus on the main 1MDB trial, he added. Najib set up 1MDB shortly after taking power in 2009. Investigators allege that more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund and laundered by his associates to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases. The scandal upended Najib's government and he was defeated in the 2018 election. Last November, the High Court also discharged Najib and the former treasury chief in another 1MDB-linked corruption case after repeated delays by the prosecution. The pair can still be charged for the same offence in the future. In 2023, Najib was acquitted on separate charges of tampering with a government audit into 1MDB. Najib was sentenced to 12 years in jail in his first graft trial but the sentence was halved by the Pardon Boards in 2024. Najib alleged the board had issued a home arrest order for him to complete his sentence at home, but the case is still being heard in court. Najib awaits his verdict in another key case that ties him directly to the 1MDB scandal, which has prompted investigations in the U.S. and several other countries. The defense in May closed their case on four charges of abuse of power to obtain over $700 million from 1MDB that went into Najib's bank accounts, and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount. Closing arguments are scheduled in October, after which the court will set a date for verdict.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
AGC to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Muhammad Shafee
KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) will initiate contempt of court proceedings against prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah over his public remarks likening proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to a 'Nazi Germany-style hearing'. It said the remarks, made in the context of an ongoing case, constituted a serious and improper attack on the dignity, authority, and independence of the judiciary. 'While lawyers are entitled to challenge judicial decisions through proper legal channels, making public statements that tarnish the image of the court or undermine public confidence in the administration of justice is unacceptable in our legal system. 'The Attorney General views this matter seriously as one that involves constitutional and institutional importance,' it said in a statement. The AGC emphasised that contempt proceedings will be pursued to uphold the rule of law, preserve the integrity of judicial processes as well as protect the judiciary from unfounded allegations and undue public pressure. The statement was issued in response to recent media reports and a statement by Messrs Shafee & Co today regarding the use of the term 'Nazi Germany' during a press conference held outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday (May 29). Muhammad Shafee reportedly responded to a journalist's question regarding a court order that temporarily stayed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's judicial review proceedings concerning the existence of an additional document that would allow him to serve the remaining six years of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
AGC to file contempt proceedings against Muhammad Shafee
KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) will initiate contempt of court proceedings against prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah over his public remarks likening proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to a 'Nazi Germany-style hearing'. It said the remarks, made in the context of an ongoing case, constituted a serious and improper attack on the dignity, authority, and independence of the judiciary. 'While lawyers are entitled to challenge judicial decisions through proper legal channels, making public statements that tarnish the image of the court or undermine public confidence in the administration of justice is unacceptable in our legal system. 'The Attorney General views this matter seriously as one that involves constitutional and institutional importance,' it said in a statement. The AGC emphasised that contempt proceedings will be pursued to uphold the rule of law, preserve the integrity of judicial processes as well as protect the judiciary from unfounded allegations and undue public pressure. The statement was issued in response to recent media reports and a statement by Messrs Shafee & Co today regarding the use of the term 'Nazi Germany' during a press conference held outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday (May 29). Muhammad Shafee reportedly responded to a journalist's question regarding a court order that temporarily stayed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's judicial review proceedings concerning the existence of an additional document that would allow him to serve the remaining six years of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AGC to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Muhammad Shafee
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Hj Abd Razak, his lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah will hold a Press Conference.' At Putrajaya Palace of Justice—Low Boon Tat / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) will initiate contempt of court proceedings against prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah over his public remarks likening proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to a "Nazi Germany-style hearing". It said the remarks, made in the context of an ongoing case, constituted a serious and improper attack on the dignity, authority and independence of the judiciary. "While lawyers are entitled to challenge judicial decisions through proper legal channels, making public statements that tarnish the image of the court or undermine public confidence in the administration of justice is unacceptable in our legal system. "The Attorney General views this matter seriously as one that involves constitutional and institutional importance," it said in a statement on Friday (May 30). The AGC emphasised that contempt proceedings will be pursued to uphold the rule of law, preserve the integrity of judicial processes as well as protect the judiciary from unfounded allegations and undue public pressure. The statement was issued in response to recent media reports and a statement by Messrs Shafee & Co on Friday regarding the use of the term "Nazi Germany" during a press conference held outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Thursday (May 29). Muhammad Shafee was responding to a question regarding a court order that temporarily stayed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's judicial review proceedings concerning the existence of an additional document that would allow him to serve the remaining six years of his prison sentence under house arrest. – Bernama
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
AGC To Initiate Contempt Of Court Proceedings Against Muhammad Shafee
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) will initiate contempt of court proceedings against prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah over his public remarks likening proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to a 'Nazi Germany-style hearing'. It said the remarks, made in the context of an ongoing case, constituted a serious and improper attack on the dignity, authority, and independence of the judiciary. "While lawyers are entitled to challenge judicial decisions through proper legal channels, making public statements that tarnish the image of the court or undermine public confidence in the administration of justice is unacceptable in our legal system.
