Relief for two ex-prime ministers

KUALA LUMPUR: Two former prime ministers heaved a sigh of relief this week when one was allowed to serve his jail sentence under home arrest while the other walked free from four money-laundering charges.

The week was capped by a major legal development involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International prison sentence under house arrest.

This came about after the Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of the RM50 million fine imposed in the SRC International case.

Earlier, former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was acquitted of four Jana Wibawa-related charges involving RM200 million. Muhyiddin, however, still faces three separate charges in relation to the Jana Wibawa programme.

Also in the dock this week was former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom who was charged with transactions involving RM860.3 million in Lembaga Tabung Haji assets.

Below are some of the other major court cases this week.

Najib granted conditional pardon, to serve sentence under house arrest

The decision on Najib's case, however, drew mixed reactions and sparked renewed debate over the use of house arrest for convicted prisoners.

Several quarters also sought clarification on how the arrangement would be implemented and monitored, as the specific conditions attached to Najib's house arrest were not immediately disclosed.

Under the conditional pardon, Najib must comply with the conditions imposed on him, failing which the pardon will be revoked and he will be required to return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

The announcement also drew intense media attention, with reporters gathering outside Kajang Prison and Najib's residence in Langgak Duta, shortly after the decision was made public.

Muhyiddin acquitted of four Jana Wibawa charges

Muhyiddin secured a major legal victory on Tuesday when the High Court acquitted him of four of seven charges linked to the Jana Wibawa programme.

The prosecution informed the court that it did not intend to proceed with one abuse of power charge and three money laundering charges involving RM200 million.

The High Court subsequently granted the Bersatu president a discharge amounting to an acquittal on the four charges.

Muhyiddin, however, still faces three abuse of power charges involving RM25.3 million allegedly received by Bersatu in connection with Jana Wibawa.

The prosecution subsequently closed its case after calling 29 witnesses.

Jamil Khir charged over RM860.3 million in Tabung Haji assets

Jamil Khir was charged at the Sessions Court on Monday with three counts involving RM860.3 million in Tabung Haji assets.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of dishonestly causing the pilgrimage fund to dispose of the assets.

The charges concern transactions involving funds channelled to Al-Rawda Investment for Real Estate Development and Projects Management Co Ltd.

The court fixed bail at RM300,000 in one surety and ordered Jamil Khir to surrender his passport pending disposal of the case.

The case has been fixed for mention on Nov 5.

Teen acquitted in Bandar Utama schoolmate's murder

The Shah Alam High Court acquitted a 15-year-old boy of murdering his 16-year-old schoolmate at a secondary school in Bandar Utama after finding that he was of unsound mind at the time of the killing.

The teenager had been charged with stabbing the victim multiple times at the school last year.

The court found that he was suffering from severe schizophrenia and ordered him to be detained at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta for a period to be approved by the Sultan of Selangor.

The decision sparked renewed public attention after the victim's mother, Wong Lee Ping, urged the public to support a petition calling on the Attorney-General's Chambers to appeal against the acquittal.

She said the family respected the court and legal process but hoped the case would receive further consideration through any appeal available under the law.

Rosmah's fresh evidence bid put on hold

Rosmah's attempt to introduce additional evidence in her appeal against her conviction in the RM1.25 billion Sarawak solar hybrid corruption case was put on hold this week.

The Court of Appeal allowed the prosecution's application to stay an earlier order permitting Rosmah to adduce the evidence pending an appeal to the Federal Court.

The evidence involves prosecution witness Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah, a former consultant for Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The stay means further evidence from Rayyan will not be recorded for the time being.

Girl mauled by dog awarded more than RM500,000

A Johor court awarded more than RM500,000 in damages to a 10-year-old girl who suffered serious injuries after she was mauled by a dog.

The girl suffered facial fractures, paralysis and permanent scarring following the attack.

The case stood out among this week's proceedings for the severity of the child's injuries and the amount of the damages awarded.

Judicial Commissioner Noradura Hamzah found the dog's owner, fisherman Lim Seer Hao, fully liable for the attack and dismissed his counterclaim against the girl and her parents.

The award comprised RM193,000 in general damages, RM300,000 for future medical expenses and RM24,643.81 in special damages. The court also awarded costs of RM120,000.