KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister in the prime minister's department (religious affairs) Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, 65, will challenge the three charges he faces at the Sessions Court here over the disposal of RM860.3mil in Tabung Haji (TH) assets.
His lawyer, Datuk Hamidi Mohd Noh, told the court that the defence will file several applications in connection with the case, including a challenge to the charges faced by his client.
"We will file several applications, including one concerning his passport, after reviewing the documents handed over by the prosecution," he said during mention proceedings before Judge Rosli Ahmad on Thursday (Nov 5).
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip informed the court that the prosecution had handed over a volume of documents to the defence and needed time to submit the remaining documents, including banking records.
Hamidi also voiced concern over social media statements by members of the public, which he argued could prejudice the case and amount to sub judice.
"The case is being tried in court. It must be understood, on social media and among members of the public, that any decision must come from the court, not from social media
"We have identified accounts that may potentially be brought to court for reference on sub judice matters, which could lead to contempt of court proceedings," he said.
Rosli then fixed Jan 14 next year for mention and further document disclosure.
On Sept 14, Jamil Khir, in his capacity as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), was charged with three counts of dishonestly causing the TH Board to dispose of its funds to Saudi-based real estate developer and project management company Al-Rawda Real Estate Development and Projects Management Co Ltd (Al-Rawda).
The amounts involved were RM42,942,074 (SAR44.170 million), RM288,172,134.64 (SAR250,041,622) and RM529,194,561.87 (SAR471,848,615).
The offences were alleged to have been committed at the Minister's Office in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Level 9, Block D7, Complex D, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya, on April 3, 2015, and at the same office at Level 10, Block A, Kompleks Islam Putrajaya, on Dec 14, 2016, and Aug 17, 2017.
The charge was framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than five years, with caning, and a fine, upon conviction. - Bernama
