Najib's 1MDB trial cut short as health condition 'quite bad'

The Kuala Lumpur High Court today cut short the hearing of Najib Razak’s case for the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds after it was informed that the former prime minister needed medical attention as the high blood pressure medication he was prescribed was having adverse effects.

Senior deputy public prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram, who is leading the prosecution team, told judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah that he was informed by a Kajang Prison Department officer that Najib’s condition was "quite bad".

"The accused’s medication for blood pressure has been changed and it has had adverse effects on him.

"I was informed that his (Najib) condition is quite bad, but he is prepared to be here (for the trial) until 12.30pm. By 2,pm he has to be taken to the hospital to see a doctor," he said.

Sequerah then agreed to adjourn the trial at 12.30pm to allow Najib to seek medical attention.

The former prime minister, wearing a blue suit, was in the dock, while his wife Rosmah Mansor and daughter Nooryana Najwa were seated in the public gallery.

Najib, 69, faces four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial continues with Ambank (M) Bhd Jalan Raja Chulan branch manager, R Uma Devi, who is the 37th prosecution witness, reading from her witness statement.

On Aug 23, Najib was sent to Kajang Prison after the apex court upheld his 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine for misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds.