KUALA LUMPUR: The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been postponed for two days as the former prime minister is seeking treatment for acute knee pain.
Senior orthopaedic consultant Dr Siti Hawa Tahir from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), where Najib was admitted on Monday (Sept 9), told the High Court that the Prisons Department had referred the patient to her following a complaint of acute pain in his right knee.
"Najib was given two days' medical certificate (MC) and has been given a strong analgesic for pain treatment. He is on opioids and we want him to be able to walk comfortably with no other complications," she told Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah here on Tuesday (Sept 10).
The doctor said opioids act on the brain and Najib has complained of drowsiness since he was prescribed the medication Monday night.
"There were probably other symptoms as well but I have not seen him this morning," said Dr Siti Hawa on the witness stand.
Justice Sequerah asked if Najib would be fit to attend the trial tomorrow (Wednesday) but Dr Siti Hawa said Najib might not be able to stand up for long as opioids can make one drowsy.
"Whenever any patient is on opioids, the medical team needs to be on standby – complete with a resuscitation trolley – in case the patient gets deeper.
"I really cannot comment on how fast the inflammation will settle as it depends from person to person. We need to make sure he is compatible with the treatment provided or else we might need to continue with some other procedures," Dr Siti Hawa said.
Justice Sequerah said the court may need the doctor to return and further explain Najib's situation to the court if his knee condition prolonged.
"We just lost two precious days as I will take it as two days' MC. We will continue the trial on Thursday (Sept 12)," he said.
The court also reminded parties that the deadline for written submissions is on Oct 4.
Najib, 71, is on trial for 25 charges in total – four for abuse of power that allegedly brought him the financial benefit to the tune of RM2.28bil; and 21 for money laundering involving the same amount of money.
The four counts of power abuse were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACC) 2009 which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
For the 21 charges of money laundering, Najib is charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5mil and imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
