KOTA KINABALU: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan is expected to be called as a defence witness in the ongoing Sabah Water Department (JANS) corruption trial.
Sessions Court Judge Datuk Abu Bakar Manat was informed of this by defence counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah, who updated the court on the remaining witnesses after three, including former minister Datuk Seri Raymond Tan, testified on Thursday.
Ansari said Pairin is among seven defence witnesses listed, but noted he had been unable to reach him, while another witness, Teo Chee Ming, is currently in New Zealand and Datuk Michael Imban is unwell.
MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat told the court they had also tried contacting Pairin without success, adding that one re-called witness is prepared to return today while two others are expected to testify next year.
Mahadi also highlighted a concern over Awang Fauzi’s testimony, saying court records show he was present throughout the earlier defence proceedings, which may raise an issue if he is called to give evidence.
