adminKUALA LUMPUR: Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom will challenge three charges related to the disposal of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) assets worth RM860.3 million that he faces in the Sessions Court here.
Lawyer Datuk Hamidi Mohd Noh, representing Jamil Khir, 65, announced that the defence would file several applications regarding the charges in the case, including challenging the charges facing his client.
“We will file several applications, including those related to passports, after examining the documents submitted by the prosecution,” he said during the case mention proceedings before Judge Rosli Ahmad, today.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip told the court that his party had submitted one volume of documents to the defence, and needed time to submit the remaining documents, including banking documents.
Meanwhile, Hamidi also informed that there were statements made by members of the public on social media, which it was feared could invite subjudice against the case.
“This case has been brought and is being heard in court. In social media and among the public, they need to understand that any decision must come from the court and not from social media.
“Our side has identified accounts that have the potential to be taken to court for referral to sub judice matters which could lead to contempt of court proceedings,” he said.
Rosli then set Jan 14 for the case to be mentioned again and further documents to be submitted.
On Sept 14, Jamil Khir was charged with three counts of dishonestly causing the TH Board to dispose of his property, namely RM42,942,074 equivalent to SAR44.170 million, RM288,172,134.64 (SAR250,041,622) and RM529,194,561.87 (SAR471,848,615) to the Saudi Arabia-based property developer and project management company Al-Rawda Real Estate Development And Projects Management Co Ltd (Al-Rawda).
The offence was allegedly committed at the Minister’s Office in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Level 9, Block D7, Complex D, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya on April 3, 2015 and at the same office at Level 10, Block A, Putrajaya Islamic Complex on Dec 14, 2016 and Aug 17, 2017.
The charge is under Section 403 of the Penal Code which provides for a prison sentence of not less than six months and not more than five years with whipping and a fine, if convicted.
— BERNAMA
