Post by : Shakul
The Federal Court of Malaysia has put on hold the hearing related to Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, the former chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority. He is petitioning for a review of the ruling that upheld his corruption conviction, prison term, and substantial financial penalty. The adjournment was prompted by the defence's request for access to recorded court proceedings and transcripts from earlier hearings this February.
Chief Judge Datuk Seri Hashim Hamzah led the three-member Federal Court panel, which agreed that the defence could retrieve the court recordings and transcripts from the sessions that occurred on February 5 and February 10. Justice Hashim noted the decision was made in the interest of justice, given that there were differing accounts from both parties regarding the earlier processes.
During the proceedings, defence attorney M.M. Athimulan emphasized the necessity of the recordings to ascertain if the earlier court had invited additional arguments on mitigation following Isa Samad's conviction. The prosecution contended that such an opportunity had indeed been presented, which the defence refruted, thus justifying their request for the court's official records.
The court has scheduled case management for tomorrow, granting both sides time to review the transcripts ahead of the next phase. The panel also included Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Datuk Azizah Nawawi, and Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah. The prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz along with assistant Mohamad Arif Aizuddin Masrom.
At the age of 76, Isa Samad is currently serving a six-year sentence. Earlier this year, the Federal Court granted the prosecution's appeal, reinstating his corruption conviction alongside a RM15.45 million penalty. He was previously acquitted by the Court of Appeal in March 2024, a decision later overturned by the Federal Court.
Isa Samad's case relates to the purchase of the Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites in Kuching, Sarawak, for RM160 million by Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd. He faces allegations of receiving over RM3 million in bribes through his former special officer in exchange for approving the property deal. Originally, the High Court found him guilty of nine corruption charges in February 2021.
This case stands out as a crucial corruption trial involving a former high-ranking political figure in Malaysia. Isa Samad's legal team has lodged a new application under Rule 137 of the Federal Court Rules 1995, asserting that there was a breach of natural justice in prior Federal Court proceedings. The review's outcome is anticipated to attract significant public interest as the judicial process unfolds in Malaysia's top court.
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