Security under control, fewer supporters now

KUALA LUMPUR: Everything has been kept under control at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex where Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak claimed trial to three charges of money laundering, thanks to the police.

Security was heightened with a strong police presence from the gates to the stairs, right to the courtrooms.

Members of the public and supporters of the former prime minister were not allowed into the court complex.

Compared to July 4, when Najib was first charged and when his supporters turned rowdy, things were mellow this time around.

Only journalists with media tags from the Information Department were allowed entry.

At about 7.15am, police and court officials began distributing special court passes to selected reporters.

There were hundreds of pressmen, photographers and videographers from local and international news agencies but only 71 passes were issued.

Pink passes were given to 21 reporters covering the proceedings in the court room while 50 were led to special rooms to follow the proceedings via a video link-up.

The media had gathered outside the gates of the court complex as early as 6am.

Those who failed to obtain the passes had to camp in the lobby.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm R. Munusamy said enough police personnel were present to ensure nothing untoward occurred.

“We imposed several security measures, including not allowing some supporters inside the court grounds.

“We had to do it due to the ruckus created by supporters during the previous court hearing,” he said.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam was spotted outside the court compound, and complained about being stopped “from going into a public place”.

“They are denying our rights to gather. Where is justice?

“The previous government never barred supporters of the then Opposition from gathering or showing support,” he told reporters at the complex’s main entrance.

Actress Ellie Suriaty Omar, who was in the group that heckled Attorney General Tommy Thomas on July 4, was seen with Lokman.

Later in the afternoon, scores of Najib’s supporters managed to enter the court compound to chant “hidup Najib!” and “tolak fitnah!” after the former premier had left the court complex.

We imposed several security measures, including not allowing some supporters inside the court grounds. Asst Comm R. Munusamy