KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): Lawyers for Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom have indicated that they will be filling several applications including a challenge to the charges against the former minister in charge of Islamic affairs.
“There will be several applications to be filed. Therefore, I am giving advance notice,” Jamil Khir's lawyer Datuk Hamidi Md Noh told the court during Thursday's case management.
“There will be various applications regarding the charges in this case, and challenges to the said charges, as well as matters regarding bail related to the passport, and other relevant applications upon receiving the further documents.”
The defence also reminded the public not to make sub-judice statements regarding the case, and to refrain a trial by the public.
“On social media, there are far too many speculations that could potentially amount to sub-judice. This case has been brought to court and is currently [ongoing]. The public and media users must understand that any outcome or decision must originate from the court, not from social media,” the lawyer said.
He added that the defence has identified several social media accounts for potential court action.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Nidzuwan Abd Latip informed the court that one volume of documents has been given to the defence. He added that there were a few more pending documents and asked for another case management date.
Sessions Court judge Rosli Ahmad has set Jan 14 next year for the case to be called up next.
On Sept 14, Jamil Khir, a former minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Islamic Affairs, was charged with three counts of dishonest misappropriation of Tabung Haji's property. Thursday was the first case management for the matter.
He was charged with dishonest misappropriation of Tabung Haji property worth RM42,942,074 (to the equivalent of 44,170,000 Saudi riyals) to a Saudi company, Al Rawda Real Estate Development and Projects Management Co Ltd, at his ministerial Putrajaya office on April 3, 2015.
He also faces a second charge of misappropriating RM288,172,134.64 or equivalent to 250,041,622 Saudi riyals of Tabung Haji funds similarly to Al Rawda Real Estate Development and Projects, at his Putrajaya ministerial office on Dec 14, 2016.
As for the third charge, he is accused of misappropriation of Tabung Haji property to a sum of RM529,194,561.87 or equivalent to 471,848,615 Saudi riyals to the same Saudi company at his office on Aug 17, 2017.
All the charges are framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code. If convicted, he could face a jail term of six months or not more than five years, and be liable for whipping and fine for each charge.
However, due to Jamil’s age, the whipping sentence will not be imposed if convicted.