Is Umno lawyer Shafee smarter than trial judge...

Prominent lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah may be in contempt of court by publicly urging the attorney-general to initiate contempt charges against Anwar Ibrahim, says veteran lawyer Karpal Singh.

Karpal, who is Anwar's lead defence counsel in the Sodomy II trial, said Shafee's actions were tantamount to interference in an on-going trial.

In an interview with yesterday's Mingguan Malaysia, which is the Sunday edition of Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, Shafee (left) called for contempt proceedings to be initiated against Anwar.

This was, Shafee said, for the PKR de facto leader's criticism of trial judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah in his statement of defence that he made from the dock.

Karpal said Anwar had the right to do so and Justice Mohamad Zabidin sat through the entire statement of Anwar, "listening intently".

"If what was uttered by Anwar was contemptuous, it would have been contempt in the face of the court. It was for Justice Mohamad Zabidin to hold Anwar in contempt. He did not do so.

"Who is Shafee to question the wisdom of the trial judge?" he said, adding that the trial judge should demand that Shafee explain why he (Shafee) should not be held in contempt.

'Ridiculous move'

Shaffee had urged the attorney-general to consider filing the contempt proceedings in another court so that Anwar's trial judge would not have to deal with it.

"This will also prevent the presiding judge from being involved in any possible conflict in which the judge may be blinded," said Shafee, who is known for his active legal work for Umno.

Karpal said the suggestion for contempt proceedings to be initiated violated the principle of fair-play and defied logic. Such a procedure was also unprecedented.

"I am surprised that such a ridiculous move has been suggested by a senior lawyer in the face on Anwar's on-going trial.

"Shafee should know a judge cannot interfere in a judicial proceeding in another court. It is axiomatic. It is elementary," Karpal added.

The Sodomy II trial resumes on Sept 19.

source:malaysiakini

Karpal mahu peguam Shafee dikena tindakan hina mahkamah

Mahkamah wajar panggil Shafee jelas kenyataan sentuh kes Anwar

Cite Shafee for contempt, Karpal tells Sodomy II judge

cheers.