Kuala Lumpur: The prosecution in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's ongoing 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial raised concerns today at the High Court regarding a recent Facebook post by the former prime minister, which they claim could be sub judice to the trial.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib communicated to trial judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah that the two-page press statement shared on Najib's Facebook page last Friday was "very, very improper" due to its one-sided nature. The post, which references the testimony of the 13th defense witness, R. Rajagopal, and 1MDB's former chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamaruddin, has gathered significant attention online with 8,000 likes, 560 shares, and 468 comments.

Ahmad Akram argued that the statement should have been presented factually and without drawing conclusions, emphasizing that the defense team had been previously cautioned against such actions. He urged the court to issue a warning to the defense, stating that the post prejudices the trial.

In defense, Najib's lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, contended that the statement was factually based on the witness testimonies, pointing out that Rajagopal's testimony is yet to be concluded. He questioned the prosecution's complaint, asserting a lack of basis, and criticized the prosecution's inaction towards biased reporting against Najib.

Justice Sequerah noted the need to minimize diversions during the trial to focus on the case effectively. He suggested that avoiding press statements on ongoing witness testimonies would be beneficial. The trial, which involves Najib facing 25 charges including abuse of position and money laundering related to RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds, will continue tomorrow.