Azmin's bid to challenge OSA classification on 1MDB report to be heard on Oct 26

An application for judicial review filed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali to challenge the decision of the Auditor-General (A-G) in classifying the A-G's Report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) as an official secret, will be heard on Oct 26.

High Court Deputy Registrar Norazlin Othman fixed the date during proceedings in his chambers before counsel Michelle Kummar, who is representing Azmin.

Michelle told reporters that her client's application would be heard before High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) Judge Datuk Hanipah Farikullah.

Azmin, who is also Gombak MP and PKR deputy president, filed the application on Aug 15, naming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, A-G Tan Sri Amrin Buang and the Malaysian government as the first to third respondents. In his application, Azmin seeked a declaration that the action taken by the first respondent (prime minister) to classify the report on 1MDB as an official secret was in conflict of interest.

He also sought a declaration that classifying the report as an official secret by the second respondent (Ambrin) was unlawful and ultra vires the Federal Constitution, the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and/or the Audit Act 1957.

In addition, Azmin also sought a mandamus order to compel all respondents, employees, officers, agents or by any means to immediately reclassify the 1MDB report pursuant to Section 2C of OSA 1972 and publish its contents for the public.

Azmin submitted the claim on the grounds that the decision to classify the report as an official secret was unconstitutional as it was in violation of Article 107 of the Federal Constitution.

In addition, he said, the respondent's refusal to declassify the report was unreasonable. -- BERNAMA