Lokman escapes jail for intimidating 1MDB witness

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Lokman Noor Adam has escaped jail-time after the Federal Court here set aside his one-month sentence and substituted it with a good behaviour bond for contempt of court in connection with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case.

A three-judge panel chaired by Justice P. Nallini allowed Lokman’s appeal to set aside his prison sentence after the Umno supreme council member made an apology in open court.

Other judges on the panel were Justices Rhodzariah Bujang and Abu Bakar Jais.

Justice Nallini said the court considered the remorse expressed by the appellant and his extensive undertaking that he would not be repeating such behaviour.

The judge also said that based on the appeal records and the judgments handed down by the courts below, it was clear that the appellant’s failure to immediately tender his apology and express his remorse contributed to the sentence imposed.

“We have also given consideration to the fact that the issuance of an apology in itself does not exonerate a contemnor in every case. However, it does have an impact on the sentence to be imposed.

“We, therefore, order that the sentence of imprisonment of one month be set aside and be substituted with a bond of good behaviour for a term of one year, meaning that in the event the appellant repeats the contempt, then he will be recalled to this court and sentenced for breach of such bond,” Justice Nallini said.

Earlier, Lokman, 51, apologised for his action of filing a police report containing his comments regarding the credibility of Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin, the main witness in the case against Najib involving 1MDB funds, and issuing a press statement during the ongoing trial.