After claiming that he needed time to prepare his defence Najib found out that, after all, he was ready to give evidence. No need for yet more delay.

What is really surprising is that instead of being thankful for licence never before given to a multi-accused person he showed no gratitude for this remarkable clemency. Most other criminals accused of the sort of crimes for which he is being tried would have spent their time before trial on remand with limited access to lawyers. Not he.

Despite the mountain of serious charges he faces he has been free, and still is, to engage in politics as he pleases and to present himself as Bossku. Just why he has had such an easy and unprecedented ride remains to be discovered.  Insurance of an electoral kind? Or refuge behind the principle of innocence until proof of guilt?  If the latter is to become the rule we can look forward to seeing persons accused of serious crimes at liberty to flee or commit others.  Sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander.