KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom will challenge the three charges he faces over the disposal of RM860.3mil in Tabung Haji (TH) assets.
Lawyer Datuk Hamidi Mohd Noh told the Sessions Court here that several applications would be filed 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 yesterday.
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 the public that any decision must come from the court.
“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, Bernama reported.
Rosli then fixed Jan 14 next year for mention and further document disclosure.
On Sept 14, Jamil Khir, 65, in his capacity as former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), was charged with three counts of dishonestly causing the TH Board to dispose of its assets 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, RM288,172,134.64 and RM529,194,561.87.
The offences were alleged to have been committed at the Minister’s Office in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) at 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 a jail term of not less than six months and not more than five years, caning and a fine, upon conviction.
