KUALA LUMPUR: Submissions at the end of the defence for former Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad's corruption case, in connection with the purchase of a hotel in Sarawak, have been rescheduled to Dec 24.
The hearing was initially scheduled for today before High Court judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, but since the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is still in effect, it was deferred.
Mohd Isa's counsel, Siti Sarah Khalil, told the New Straits Times today that the defence was informed of the new date by High Court deputy registrar Mahyudin Mohamad Som via e-mail on Dec 2.
"The court's operations are expected to resume after this (starting next week), so it is likely the hearing will proceed on that day (Dec 24)," she said.
Mahyudin, when contacted, also confirmed the matter.
"Despite the court's operations resuming next Monday, the court could not set an earlier date which is suitable for both parties (prosecution and defence) and Dec 24 is a suitable date," Mahyudin said.
The defence closed its case on Sept 3, after calling a total of six witnesses, including Mohd Isa himself. The prosecution had called a total 15 prosecution witnesses to testify in its case.
On June 19, Mohd Nazlan ordered Mohd Isa to enter his defence after finding that the prosecution had successfully adduced credible evidence by proving essential ingredients of the offences under Section 16 (a) (A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
Mohd Isa, 71, opted to testify under oath.
On Aug 17, in his defence, Mohd Isa denied receiving RM3 million in nine transactions, from his former special political officer Muhammad Zahid Md Arip over the purchase of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites (MPHS) in Kuching, and said he never discussed or asked Muhammad Zahid about the purchase.
Mohd Isa was charged with nine counts of gratification for himself in cash totalling RM3,090,000 from Ikhwan Zaidel, who is a board member of Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn Bhd (the company which previously owned MPHS), through Muhammad Zahid for helping to approve the purchase of the hotel by Felda Investment Corp Sdn Bhd (FIC), a subsidiary of Felda.
All the offences were allegedly committed at Level 49, Menara Felda, Platinum Park, No. 11, Persiaran KLCC near here between July 21, 2014, and Dec 11, 2015.
Each charge carries a jail term not exceeding 20 years and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
