My family and I can have a normal life again, says Isa Samad

PUTRAJAYA: The now-freed Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad says the Court of Appeal’s verdict will allow him to live a normal life with his family again.

The former Felda chairman said he was confident from the start that his innocence would be proven, while respecting the court process over the last six years.

“We have (known from the outset) that there was no issue, but the process must continue and we accepted any verdict (along the way)," he told reporters after leaving the courtroom at the Palace of Justice here on Wednesday (March 6).

“My wife and I would like to express our gratitude to Allah as with His will, the case is finally concluded and I’m relieved because my family and I can live normally again.

ALSO READ: Court of Appeal acquits Mohd Isa Samad of corruption charges

“I also thank my lawyer and his team for their hard work these past six years,” he added.

Asked if the court’s decision was a form of vindication, the former Negri Sembilan mentri besar said: “Whatever the court has decided, it was its right.

"As the accused, we have to accept the results no matter what and for today’s verdict, I’m thankful for it. I have no further comment.”

He added that he had no plan yet whether or not to rejoin politics but reiterated his support for Umno.

“I’ve retired from politics, so I don’t have any plans yet. It is subjective, whether to rejoin or not... It depends on the situation.

“If the situation allows, I will (return). But for sure, I am a loyal supporter of Umno,” the former Jempol MP said.

Mohd Isa’s lawyer Datuk Salehuddin Saidin said the defence team would remain prepared for any possibility as the prosecution may still appeal to the Federal Court.

“We have to be ready (in the event that) the prosecution brings the case to a higher court (the Federal Court),” he said.

Earlier in the morning, the Court of Appeal here acquitted Mohd Isa of his conviction and sentence on nine counts of corruption involving the purchase of a hotel in Sarawak.

In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel chaired by Justice Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera allowed Mohd Isa's appeal against his conviction and sentence.

"The appeal is allowed and the order of the High Court is set aside," Justice Vazeer said.

Other judges on the panel were Justices Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim and SM Komathy Suppiah.

On Feb 3, 2021, the High Court found Mohd Isa, 74, guilty of nine charges of bribery involving RM3.09mil in Felda's acquisition of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching, Sarawak.