Kuala Lumpur: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s defence trial over allegations of misappropriating RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds at the High Court was adjourned today as a witness could not be located to testify.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Najib’s counsel, Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin, informed Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah that the defence had included Brian Chia Hock Gee, a former partner at Wong and Partners law firm, as the 10th defence witness. Wong and Partners was previously a legal advisor to 1MDB.

Chia was initially listed in the prosecution’s witness list and had his statements recorded. However, he was never called to testify during the prosecution’s case, after which he was offered to the defence. Efforts to contact him since January have been unsuccessful, and the prosecution has also been unable to locate him.

Wan Azwan Aiman further clarified that other lawyers have been contacted, but the legal fraternity is unaware of Chia’s whereabouts. It is assumed that he is not within the jurisdiction. As Chia was the only witness scheduled for the day’s proceedings, the defence requested an adjournment until the following morning.

Justice Sequerah inquired about the defence’s plan if the witness remains uncontactable. Wan Azwan Aiman stated that they would proceed with other witnesses, but emphasized the prosecution’s responsibility to make efforts to ensure Chia’s availability.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar acknowledged Chia as an offered witness and committed to locating him. Consequently, Justice Sequerah adjourned the proceedings until the next morning.

On October 30 last year, Judge Sequerah ordered Najib to enter his defence after determining that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. Najib, 71, faces 25 charges, including four counts of abusing his position to receive RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds as bribes and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount.