Former premier Najib Abdul Razak has penned a letter to Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Zaharah Ibrahim to highlight his concern over the administration of justice in relation to his case.

The letter sent yesterday was regarding the change of the trial judge.

Najib's lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said a copy of the letter was also submitted to the current trial judge Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali.

Shafee said his client is not questioning Nazlan's ability, but rather the transfer of the previous judge, Justice Sophian Abdul Razak.

"There were no requests made for a recusal by the parties, that is, the prosecution and defence. Yet, Sophian was transferred without any recusal requests being made.

"This raises questions on the administration of justice, as the judiciary should remain independent.

“This is a highly sensitive case involving the former premier, maybe next to Anwar Ibrahim's case," he added. 

Speaking to reporters later, Shafee said while the prosecution had argued that it was a "routine" transfer of judges, it did not address the defence's concerns on the reason the change was made mid-trial and not in open court.

"You and I know that if they say routine, then you are not looking at the elephant in the room," he insisted.

Shafee also maintained that the changes were "unfair," not only to Najib but also to the two judges concerned.

"I want to place on record, it is not fair that you do things behind my back. It is not fair to Sophian who did not do anything wrong.

"Some people may also look at Nazlan with a jaundiced eye," he added.

Commenting further, Shafee (photo) said critics of Sophian, including the Bar Council and civil society group G25, should have made an application to hold watching briefs during the trial, rather than push for his removal.

"The Attorney-General's Chambers has not said that he (Sophian) should be recused.

"The other third parties, they are strangers to the proceedings. So, in short, they have become busybodies," he said.

Najib earlier claimed trial to three new SRC International-linked charges for money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

He also previously claimed trial on July 4 at the High Court to three counts for criminal breach of trust and one for abusing his power as finance minister and prime minister in relation to the RM42 million fund under SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.

In the letter hand-delivered by Shafee's law firm yesterday, Najib expressed concern over the notion of Sophian's possible bias in view of his older brother being the Benta Umno division chief in Pahang.

"We categorically state for the record that the defence did not request for Sophian to preside in the case, and this was subsequently confirmed by the Federal Court chief registrar's office in a statement.

"There have been allegations of bias against Sophian which the defence believes are wholly unwarranted, unjustified and baseless, in fact, and in law.

"Sophian has no reasons to recuse himself, and therefore need not have to disclose his elder brother's position in Umno politics. In the circumstances, he has no such duty in law," he said in the letter which was also sent to Nazlan said.

The letter further stated that Nazlan could be placed in an uncomfortable position, and possibly be viewed as "a judge with a mission."

Earlier, Shafee informed the court that his client was not seeking for Nazlan's recusal, but was extremely concerned with the administration of justice.