Sulaiman and Sri Ram for 1MDB case
AG appoints senior lawyers and opts out due to work commitment
PUTRAJAYA: Attorney General Tommy Thomas has opted out of leading the prosecution for the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Senior lawyer Datuk Sulaiman Abdullah has been appointed to lead the prosecution team while retired Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram will be made senior deputy public prosecutor.
Sri Ram, said Thomas, would aid the case once investigation papers into the alleged fraud relating to 1MDB are submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
Upon receipt of the investigation papers from the investigating agencies, the office (the AGC) is required to study them, prepare charges and prosecute the alleged accused in trials.
“In order to spearhead this process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram as senior deputy public prosecutor,” he said.
On Sulaiman, Thomas said the eminent lawyer is one of the nation’s leading legal eagle with vast experience in criminal law.
“His eloquence is unmatched, and his intellect second to none. Datuk Sulaiman has impeccable integrity, and is a principled lawyer,” said Thomas.
Thomas said his responsibilities as Attorney General took precedence and he was unable to devote time to the case.
“I have come to the realisation that I cannot combine these onerous commitments with the simultaneous preparation and conduct of a seven-week trial in PP v Najib Razak, fixed to commence on Feb 12, 2019 and completing on March 29, 2019.
“A trial of this importance and complexity requires the full-time attention of the lead counsel, not just during the duration of the trial, but also in the months leading to the trial, followed by the prepara- tion and detailed written submissions after the trial.
“Unfortunately, the demands of equally urgent and pressing matters of state do not permit me the time required to focus on this prosecution,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Thomas said that he would therefore use his discretion under Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code and appoint Sulaiman to lead the prosecution instead.
On Sri Ram, Thomas said: “He has substantial experience in criminal law matters. His strong and determined personality will no doubt enhance the investigation and prosecution in all matters pertaining to the 1MDB scandal,” said Thomas.
Both appointees have agreed to waive fees and work on a pro bono basis.