An affidavit filed by former Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was one of the factors for the decision of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to withdraw the corruption and money laundering charges against former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun said that on May 13, 2020, Musa sent a representation to the AGC seeking the case against him to be withdrawn and all charges to be quashed.
He said that on June 5, 2020, the Chambers received the affidavit which was filed in the High Court by Musa and which was affirmed by Abdul Gani to support Musa’s application to quash all the charges against him.
“The former Attorney-General defended the decision taken in 2012 to take no further action against Tan Sri Musa Aman as investigation revealed the monies involved were political funding.
“The former Attorney-General also stated that the decision was made collectively, by high-level individuals being Datuk Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah (the former head of Prosecution Division), Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamad (the former chief commissioner of MACC) and Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali (the former director of Investigation Division MACC).
“After studying and perusing the investigation paper from a legal stand point, the former Attorney-General in exercise of his discretion decided not to proceed with prosecution,” he said in a statement today.
Idrus further said in light of the representation and the recent development in the form of the affidavit by Abdul Gani, it was the responsibility of the department to review the whole evidence for this case.
He said having studied the whole available evidence and upon discussion with the prosecution and investigation team, he decided to withdraw all the charges against Musa.
“In cases of this nature, documentary evidence is vital to prove a case. Documentary evidence from companies and banks which were expected could not be obtained through Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters from Hong Kong.
“The Department of Justice Hong Kong advised that companies and banks in Hong Kong are only required to keep records for seven years and it is highly unlikely that neither the banks nor the companies would still have the records.
“Apart from that, there are witnesses for the prosecution who have passed away, suffered serious medical ailments or are not in Malaysia anymore,” he said.
The AG said this recent development including the affidavit that was filed has caused a situation wherein it was no longer tenable to continue with the prosecution of Musa.
He said the decision was strengthened by a letter dated Dec 22, 2011 from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Hong Kong stating that their investigation against Musa is complete and on the basis of known facts no further investigative action will be pursued.
“My decision is taken in accordance with powers exercisable at discretion under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
The High Court here today freed Musa, 69, from 30 corruption and 16 money laundering charges in connection with timber concession contracts in Sabah after the prosecution withdrew all the charges against him and granted the defence’s application for the accused to be fully acquitted.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jun 09 2020
The AG said this recent development including the affidavit that was filed has caused a situation wherein it was no longer tenable to continue with the prosecution of Musa. - Filepic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.