Labuan MP fails in 2nd bid to quash corruption case

 

Warisan lawmaker Rozman Isli’s corruption case will proceed before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today.

This is after the Kuala Lumpur High Court this morning dismissed the Labuan MP’s second application to quash the graft case linked to his tenure as Labuan Port Authority (LPA) deputy director five years ago.

Rozman’s counsel Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali confirmed that judicial commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain denied the lawmaker’s application.

Today was set for a hearing of the second striking out bid before the High Court.

Previously, on April 4, the accused failed to get the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to quash his graft case, alleging that the charge was meant to pressure him to ditch Sabah-based opposition party Warisan and join the state ruling party Bersatu.

In a media statement announcing the second striking-out bid, Rafique said the application seeks an order to set aside the charge on grounds that it has no merit and is baseless, whether in fact or under the law.

On Oct 14 last year before the Sessions Court, Rozman (above) claimed trial to one graft charge.

He was accused of using his then position as LPA deputy chairperson to obtain a government contract for a company in which his father and sibling allegedly have an interest.

During a press conference held immediately after he was charged that day, the accused claimed he was charged over his refusal to defect from Warisan and back the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.

According to a copy of his affidavit in support of the striking-out bid, Rozman claimed that among those who tried to persuade him to leave Warisan was an MACC officer, an aide of then prime minister Muhyiddin Yasin, and a deputy minister.

He alleged that these were part of widespread efforts to get his support since Feb 29, 2020, following the Sheraton Move that saw the fall of the Pakatan Harapan federal administration to PN, helmed by Bersatu president Muhyiddin.

Today is the first day of trial before Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob. - Mkini