KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): A press conference scheduled to be held by Attorney General (AG) Tommy Thomas on Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s trial was interrupted by a commotion at the Kuala Lumpur courts today.

Chants of “Melayu” and “bebas Najib” were hurled at the AG by supporters of the former prime minister, who had gathered in solidarity with Najib at the court since early morning. 

Journalists believed it was started by blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris — better known as Papagomo, followed by some representatives from Wanita Umno. 

The police escorted loud and vocal supporters out of the court, but no arrests were made. 

The AG was supposed to brief the media after the the bail agreements for Najib were settled, but was disturbed by the noise caused by the commotion, demanding him to speak in Malay. 

Meanwhile, Najib's lawyer Tan Sri Mohamad Shafee Abdullah was seen leaving the High Court room in a haste.

"We have to deal with the bail first," he briefed the media.

Shafee had requested for Najib's bail to be switched from cash terms to the land title belonging to him along Jalan Langgak Duta here, considering Najib's bank accounts have been frozen pending further investigations.

Earlier, Najib had his charges read to him at the Sessions Court before the case was transferred to the High Court, under request from the prosecution team.

In one charge sheet, Najib was charged under MACC Act 2009 for receiving kickbacks amounting to RM42 million for participating in the government's decision to provide guarantee over loans of RM4 billion from Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) to SRC International Sdn Bhd, formerly a subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

If found guilty, the former premier could face a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe.

He also faced three separate charges under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust amounting to RM27 million, RM5 million and RM10 million respectively — totaling RM42 million — all allegedly siphoned from SRC International.

If found guilty, Najib could face a jail sentence of between two and 20 years, as well as a fine, but will escape a sentence for caning as he is aged above 50.