12 politicians involved in 19 cases granted DNAA since 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen cases involving 12 politicians were granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in the High Court and lower courts nationwide between 2010 and July this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the figures were based on information from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court and a review of criminal case records.

She said, unlike civil cases, criminal cases were not subject to a limitation period, meaning individuals granted a DNAA could still be charged again with the same offences.

"This procedure may be undertaken if the prosecution decides to do so, based on the facts, evidence and developments in the case," she said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website.

She was responding to Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis), who asked about the number of criminal cases involving politicians and high-profile leaders that had been granted a DNAA.

Azalina said details of specific cases could be obtained directly from the Attorney-General's Chambers, which holds the relevant prosecution records and information.