The trial was supposed to run from Nov 18 to 29.

Ad hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told judge Mohamad Zaini Mazlan that these dates need to be vacated as another former 1MDB CEO and key witness, Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, is still giving evidence in the 1MDB case.

“Shahrol is under cross-examination, and the defence lawyer has indicated that he needs another two weeks. The prosecution will then have to re-examine the witness,” he said.

The 1MDB trial, which sees Najib facing charges of abuse of power and money laundering, will end on Nov 14. However, the prosecution wishes to continue with the trial until Nov 29.

Sri Ram said it would also prejudice the prosecution’s case in the audit report matter if Shahrol took the witness stand while still giving testimony in the 1MDB trial.

“He is very important in proving that one of the accused (Najib) abused his power in the tampering of the audit report,” he added.

He said he would also need to prepare the opening statement and marshal his team as he has been tasked with prosecuting this case as well.

Lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah raised no objection to the adjournment but said it would be advantageous to the defence.

“At the moment, we are fighting from all fronts. If this case proceeds, our defence will also be exposed,” he said.

Zaini said he would need time to deliberate before delivering a decision on Nov 13.

Najib is accused of using his position to obtain immunity from legal action in relation to allegations that he tampered with the 1MDB audit report between Feb 22 and 26, 2016.

The offence was said to have taken place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.

Arul was charged with abetting Najib in tampering with the report before it was tabled to the Public Accounts Committee.