Dr Mohamad Khir has another chance to set aside jail sentence - Muhammad Shafee

Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has another chance to set aside the 12-month jail sentence handed to him over abuse of power to obtain land and a bungalow in Shah Alam, said his counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Replying to a question by the media on whether the defence will file for a review of the Federal Court's decision to uphold the jail sentence, Muhammad Shafee said the defence team needed to study the Federal Court judgement before initiating any further action.

On whether the defence will be filing for a pardon against his conviction and 12-month jail sentence, the lawyer said this was one of the avenues available.

"A pardon petition is possible, but it is not the last resort. We will consider other options," he told reporters after case of the accused better known as Khir Toyo came to and end at the Federal Court, Tuesday.

Asked on the decision, he said it shocked lawyers representing Khir Toyo as well as his wife, Zahrah Kechik, 50, as the defence was confident the court would favour them.

Muhammad Shafee also said the defence was disappointed when the court turned down his client's appeal to carry out community service as an alternative to the jail sentence.

READ: Khir Toyo's final jottings as a free man

He said his client had also directed him to commence legal action against The Sun for contempt-of-court over two articles published after the court postponed its decision on sentencing to today.

Khir Toyo's wife, who looked calm when met outside the court lock-up, said she accepted the court decision with great perseverance even though it is very sad for the whole family.

"Of course I am sad. Whatever it is I take it as a test from Allah. I accept it. He (Khir Toyo) also accepted the decision. Thank you," Zahrah said before leaving the court compound with her six children.

The Federal Court on Tuesday sentenced Khir Toyo over his conviction to charges of obtaining for himself and his wife, Zahrah, two lots of land and a bungalow in Section 7, Shah Alam from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through its director Datuk Shamsuddin Hayroni, eight years ago.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Datuk Naran Singh described the decision of the Federal Court as just as the jail sentence commensurated with the offence under Section 165 of the Penal Code.

He also agreed with the Federal Court decision that the community service programme requested by Khir Toyo is only suitable for young offenders.

"It is a good decision. The decision is also fair. The community service programme as substitute for jail sentence is only suitable for young offenders," he said when contacted by Bernama.