Defence saddened with Federal Court ruling
Bernama
August 23, 2022 21:12 MYT
August 23, 2022 21:12 MYT
Najib Razak's lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said that the defence team was saddened over losing the final appeal, which saw the former prime minister sent to prison to serve his 12-year jail sentence. - BERNAMA
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's lead counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik expressed sadness after the Federal Court ruled against his client today.
When met by reporters, Hisyam said that the defence team was saddened over losing the final appeal, which saw the former prime minister sent to prison to serve his 12-year jail sentence.
When asked if Najib will seek a review of the verdict, the counsel said he would discuss the matter with his team and did not rule out that possibility.
""I (can) only say that we seek comfort and solace... the Almighty alone can dispense perfect justice," said the counsel in referring to today's landmark ruling.
The Federal Court today upheld the conviction and 12 years' jail sentence and RM210 million fine on Najib for misappropriating RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.
A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat dismissed the former prime minister's appeal to set aside the conviction and sentence imposed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on July 28, 2020.
Najib, 69, had on Dec 8, 2021, failed to overturn the ruling after the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision.
Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying Najib and which left the Palace of Justice grounds at about 5.44 pm, escorted by a police team, was believed to be heading to Kajang Prison.
Also in the convoy was a vehicle carrying Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and his children.
-- BERNAMA