A Kadir Jasin
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The Kuala Lumpur High Court disallowed the use of Security Offences (Special Measures) 2012 against two staunch critics of 1MDB – the former vice-chief of the Batu Kawan Umno division (Datuk Seri) Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer, Matthias Chang Wen Chieh, and ordered their release.
They were charged under the anti-terrorism legislation allegedly for allegedly sabotaging the Malaysian economy.
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| Free on bail: Chang (left) and Khairuddin are heroes to many |
“As such, procedures under Security Offences (Special Measures) 2012 could not be applied on them," he said.
Mohd Azman said the two could not be denied bail and Sosma procedures could not be used in their trial.
He ordered Khairuddin and Chang to be released on RM10,000-bail and ordered their trial to commence in the Sessions Court.
The decision to charge Khaiuddin and Chang under Sosma 12 was one of two major decisions made by Mohamed Apandi since he became the AG on July 28. The other was rejecting Bank Negara’s recommendation for the 1MDB to be charged for offences under the Exchange Control Act 1953.
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| Mohamed Apandi flanked by his wife and (Tan Sri) Lee Lam Thye - The Star |
On October 12, Khairuddin and Chang were charged with attempted sabotage of the Malaysian economy and the country's financial and banking system.
They were accused of committing the offence in France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore, between June 28 and August 26 this year. Khairuddin had lodged reports against 1MDB in these countries.
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Masri Mohd Daud, said the prosecution would appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Wallahuaklam.