Co-counsel Rosal Azimin Ahmad said Amer was appointed last week to act in the case which the trial judge has indicated must begin no later than three months from the date Wan Saiful was charged.

“He will be leading the defence and will be supported by four other counsels,” Rosal told FMT.

Amer was the lawyer for former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman and former Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, who were both acquitted without a trial.

In June 2020, the prosecution withdrew 46 money laundering and corruption charges brought against Musa. Azeez was freed in December last year.

Rosal said the defence in Wan Saiful’s case has yet to receive the full set of documents that the prosecution intends to use at the trial.

“As such, we have yet to decide on making representations to the attorney-general for a review of the charges,” he said.

The case will be mentioned again before sessions court judge Rozina Ayob on May 8.

On Feb 21, Wan Saiful claimed trial to accepting a RM6.9 million bribe in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

He was also charged with soliciting an unspecified amount for a road project worth RM232 million linked to the programme.

Rozina said the case must begin within three months and conclude no later than nine months from the date Wan Saiful was charged.