9-1-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is pursuing legal action against former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown over their statements in the documentary “Man on the Run.” In addition, Najib aims to have the 98-minute documentary, currently available on Netflix, removed for its alleged “sub judicial and contemptuous” content.
Najib’s lead counsel, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, lodged the complaint about the documentary at the High Court before the scheduled resumption of the 1MDB trial on January 8. Shafee mentioned that his client instructed him to file contempt proceedings against Thomas and initiate legal action against Rewcastle-Brown for their contributions to the documentary.
Shafee emphasized that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Home Ministry hold the authority to take the documentary off the air. “The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Home Ministry have the authority to take it off the air,” stated the lawyer.
The documentary, initially screened in cinemas in Singapore and later released on Netflix, features interviews with various personalities, including Thomas and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It also includes interviews with former Damansara MP Tony Pua and whistleblower Xavier Andre Justo.
Najib himself was interviewed for the documentary before his imprisonment. Shafee defended Najib’s statements in the programme, asserting, “What he said was justified.” He informed the court about the documentary, suggesting that the prosecution brings the matter to the Attorney General, who can then involve the MCMC.
When questioned about whether Najib had seen the documentary, Shafee explained, “He is in prison, how could he watch it? He doesn’t have that privilege.”
Addressing Anwar’s statements in the documentary, Shafee described them as “unpleasant” and criticized them for lacking proof while the case is still ongoing.
The trial also witnessed a heated exchange between the prosecution and the defense regarding the testimony of the 49th prosecution witness, Nur Aida Arifin, a senior officer from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Shafee objected, arguing that the witness had “drawn her own conclusions” in the case. The proceedings were adjourned for parties to meet the judge in chambers.
Najib, facing 25 charges, including abuse of power and money laundering in connection with the 1MDB scandal, will continue the hearing on January 24.
