Former PM’s aide Shamsul Iskandar applies to move five corruption charges to the High Court, citing complex constitutional and legal questions.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (pic) has applied to transfer his five corruption charges to the High Court.
His counsel Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad confirmed the notice of motion was filed on February 4. The hearing for the transfer application is set for April 9.
In his application, Shamsul Iskandar contends the case involves complex constitutional questions and matters relating to the Federal Constitution. He argued the transfer would facilitate a proper determination of the legal issues raised.
His supporting affidavit states the trial is expected to involve intricate legal questions. These include how the MACC Act 2009 applies to cases involving political contributions.
He further stated that a High Court trial would allow parties to appeal directly to the Federal Court. This is particularly relevant for issues involving the constitutionality of certain legal provisions.
Shamsul Iskandar was first charged at the Sessions Court here on December 4 last year. He allegedly agreed to accept RM100,000 from businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing to help Tei’s companies obtain mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
He also faces a charge of accepting RM40,000 in cash from the same individual for the same purpose. Additionally, he is accused of two counts of receiving bribes in the form of furniture and electrical appliances valued at RM14,580.03 and RM22,249 respectively.
The offences were allegedly committed at various locations in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya between late 2023 and early 2024. A separate charge was filed at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on December 5 last year.
This charge alleges he corruptly obtained RM62,924 from Tei, which was deposited into a woman’s bank account for a house rental. The inducement was again to assist Tei’s companies in securing Sabah mineral licences.
All charges are framed under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. Upon conviction, the act provides for a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The Sun Malaysia
