PUTRAJAYA: The prosecution in the criminal case involving Muhammed Yusoff Rawther has been given three months to serve him a notice of appeal over his acquittal through personal service before appeal proceedings can begin.
The Court of Appeal ordered the prosecution to make full efforts to serve the notice.
Justice Azman Abdullah, who led a three-judge panel, noted that the passport of Muhammed Yusoff, who is seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, is being held by the authorities as part of his asylum application process.
The prosecution is appealing against the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on June 12, 2025, which acquitted the former research assistant to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of two charges involving cannabis distribution and possession of two imitation firearms.
The court was earlier told by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Asnawi Abu Hanipah that the respondent was not present, as he has been abroad since June last year.
“We have confirmed with the Immigration Department that the respondent has been abroad since last year and there is no record of his return.
“We also tried to locate him to serve the notice of appeal two weeks ago but were unsuccessful. We are requesting that the proceedings continue online or via Zoom with his participation,” he said.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Muhammed Yusoff, confirmed that his client is aware of the appeal but has not personally received the notice.
He said his client had not returned to Malaysia since June 1 and had informed the court and prosecution through a letter.
The appellate court has fixed Sept 8 to decide whether the prosecution’s appeal can proceed.
Other judges on the panel were Justices Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid and K. Muniandy.
