DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer said there is absolutely no necessity for former premier Najib Abdul Razak to engage a team of lawyers from the United States to handle his 1MDB-
related case.

This is especially so when there are many experienced criminal lawyers in the country, the Jelutong MP added.

"In this case, Najib is only facing the possibility of being charged with money laundering and corruption offences related to 1MDB which do not carry the death
penalty," Rayer said in a statement today.

"In fact, I do not see a reason why Najib should hire US-based lawyers when his wife had decided to opt and engage Malaysian lawyers to represent her.

"It is imperative that the applications by any foreign lawyer to practice law here in Malaysia must be subject to the scrutiny of the selection committee of the Malaysian Bar under Section 40H of the Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 2012."

Najib is currently under probe by Malaysian authorities for money laundering and corruption offences related to 1MDB.

Rayer was referring to The Star report today which states that Najib will be engaging a team of US-based lawyers.

According to the English daily, Najib has assembled a formidable team led by former US attorney-general John Ashcroft.

Rayer noted that Article 5 of the Federal Constitution allows a citizen the right to choose a counsel of his or her choice.

However, he reminded that one must bear in mind that this fundamental right as enshrined in the Federal Constitution should not be abused.

Rayer said such applications for foreign lawyers on an ad hoc basis should only be allowed after careful consideration and recommendation.

"The entire trial could be further delayed because of this ad hoc applications by foreign lawyers," he added.

Rayer urged the Malaysian Bar to be "extremely vigilant and cautious" in considering any ad hoc applications made by any foreign lawyer intending to defend Najib.