Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim scored a significant morale victory today when the High Court said that the prosecution must ensure the attendance of its witnesses who are to be interviewed by the defence team.Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah said since the witnesses are offered by the prosecution, as such, it is their responsibility to ensure they attend the interview session.
"However, it depends on the witness if they want to say anything in the interview. Hence, I am allowing both the defence applications," he said.
Solicitor-general II Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden had earlier submitted in court that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, his wife, Rosmah Mansor, and former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan and former Malacca police chief would only come forward if they are subpoenaed.
Anwar, in commenting on the decision, said it caught him by surprise but it did not change his opinion that the court is still biased against him following the lengthy decision to call for his defence.
“It has presented us with an avenue to interview key witnesses which is important for us,” he said.
“I think the prosecution made a blunder in offering these witnesses to us. Because when they offer they have to produce them (to be interviewed),” he said.
So let's see what happens, Anwar said.
“Hopefully now the (prosecution) will come up with the witnesses that we have sought for.”
Now, he said, there is a court order and the witnesses are compelled to come to court to be interviewed.
9.38am: Anwar enters the dock as the court starts with Justice Mohamad Zabidin presiding.
9.40am: Justice Zabidin allows Anwar's application that prosecution should ensure the attendance of witness.
Justice Zabidin in his decision said it is the prosecution's responsibility to ensure the attendance of witnesses to be interviewed by the defence team. However, Zabidin said it is up to the witness if they want to be interviewed or not.
"Hence, the court is allowing both applications (for the 15 witness) which includes Prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah, former IGP Musa Hassan).
Court stands down for awhile.
9.58am: Court is still on a short break. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution arrives in court.
10.08am: Anwar re-enters the court with his defence lawyers. Others top PKR leaders in court include Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah.
10.13am: Karpal and Sankara along with Yusof and DPP Nordin enter the judge's chambers for a close-door discussion.
10.22am: Parties emerge from judge's chambers.
10.24am: Court resumes. Solicitor-general Yusof tells the court that the prosecution needs a week to comply with the order.
Two of the witnesses demanded by the defence have returned to their home country, Indonesia, so time is needed to locate them and provide for their return.
The court fixes Anwar's trial to continue next Monday for two weeks until Aug 26.
source:malaysiakini
Mahkamah benarkan Anwar temubual PM, isteri
Anwar can call Najib, Rosmah subject to their consent
Anwar boleh panggil Najib, isteri jika mereka setuju
cheers.
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