Are acquittals in high-profile cases the new norm, PH asks AG

 

The statement expressing concern over high-profile individuals being freed of charges was issued by PKR president and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council has sought an explanation from the attorney-general (AG) over acquittals in high-profile corruption cases involving prominent politicians and other personalities.

In a statement today, the PH presidential council said it was concerned over the trend in court cases involving high-profile individuals, as well as supporters of the ruling party, being freed after either returning sums of money allegedly received illegally or by paying a compound fine.

“We urge the AG to give an explanation as decisions to charge or withdraw them lie in his hands. He must explain if this is going to be part of the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for high-profile court cases.”

It asked whether such SOPs would enable someone alleged to have stolen money to be acquitted by returning a certain amount.

The High Court last week acquitted Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan on charges of money laundering and giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The Pontian MP was freed of the charges after paying a RM1.1 million compound fine.

The statement was jointly issued by PKR president and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau.

The presidential council also slammed, what it called, the “nonchalant” attitude of the MACC on this perceived new trend.

It asked whether the MACC would provide a similar solution for all corruption cases through the payment of certain sums of money, as it had taken place in cases involving politicians supporting the government.

“This new trend by the AG and MACC is clearly against the principle of rule of law.

“Justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done.

“Without transparency and a fair enforcement of the law, MACC chief Azam Baki’s ambition for the commission to gain international recognition will be difficult to achieve.”

According to a statement issued by his legal team, Ahmad paid a RM1.1 million compound fine as agreed by the prosecution and the defence.

Ahmad was said to have violated Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967 by not stating his real income on the RM2 million, allegedly received from former prime minister Najib Razak, for the 2013 year of assessment.

He was alleged to have received the money, believed to be proceeds of illegal activities, through a cheque from AmIslamic Bank Bhd dated Nov 27, 2013, which he cashed the same day.

The charge, framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), provided for a maximum fine of RM5 million, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, if a person is found guilty.

Ahmad was also accused of giving false statements to MACC when questioned by investigating officer Mohd Zairi Zainal on July 4, 2019. - FMT