A drowsy looking fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik was back in court on Thursday morning after spending a day and a half in bed due to chest pains. Shaik said he was under pressure and was trying not to become dependent on his medication.

On Tuesday during the lunch adjournment Shaik consulted a doctor who diagnosed him with a respiratory tract infection. He also suffered from chest pains due to high blood pressure.

The State on Thursday continued arguing the admissibility of documents, in particular an affidavit by a Malaysian-based British citizen, David Wilson. Wilson was a former director of the Renong Group who had initially been involved in Durban Point Waterfront Development project.

The State said the affidavit would prove that Shaik had tried to "resort to higher powers" to be appointed as the black economic empowerment partner in the project.

Wilson had initially agreed to be a State witness but later changed his mind, saying his testimony would cause embarrassment to the Malaysian government. The trial continues. 

With acknowledgement to Sapa.