Bung Moktar Radin and Zizie Izette Abdul Samad Ordered to Enter Defence on Corruption Charges

Background of the Case

Bung Moktar Radin, the non-executive chairman of Felcra, and his wife, Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, have been charged in connection with the receipt of RM2.8 million in bribes to secure Felcra’s approval to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual unit trusts. The case has been ongoing for several years, with the couple facing multiple charges of corruption and abetment.

The Latest Development

Recently, the Court of Appeal has ordered the couple to enter their defence on the charges. Justice Zaini Mazlan, who read the broad grounds of the unanimous decision, stated that the revision application filed by the couple in the High Court was akin to filing an appeal. He added that such an application was a disruption to the trial process.

Justice Zaini’s Ruling

“We allow the prosecution’s appeal. The High Court’s ruling is set aside and the sessions court’s decision is restored,” Justice Zaini said. He was joined by Justices Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim and Noorin Badaruddin on the panel hearing the appeal.

The Charges Against the Couple

Bung Moktar Radin was charged on May 3, 2019 with two counts of receiving bribes of RM2.2 million and RM262,500 as an inducement to obtain Felcra’s approval to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual unit trusts. He is alleged to have accepted the bribes from Public Mutual’s investment agent Norhaili Madhi through Zizie at the Taman Melawati Public Bank branch between 12.30pm and 5pm on June 12, 2015.

Zizie’s Charges

Zizie faces three charges of abetting Bung in the commission of the alleged offences. She is alleged to have helped Bung accept the bribes and facilitate the investment.

Conclusion

The latest development in the case is a significant setback for the couple, who had been seeking to overturn the charges against them. The Court of Appeal’s decision means that they will now have to enter their defence on the charges, which could potentially lead to a conviction and imprisonment.

FAQs

Q: What are the charges against Bung Moktar Radin and Zizie Izette Abdul Samad?
A: They are charged with corruption and abetment in connection with the receipt of RM2.8 million in bribes to secure Felcra’s approval to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual unit trusts.

Q: What is the alleged bribe amount?
A: The alleged bribe amount is RM2.8 million, which was received by Bung Moktar Radin and Zizie Izette Abdul Samad.

Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The couple will now have to enter their defence on the charges, which could potentially lead to a conviction and imprisonment.

Q: Who are the judges on the panel hearing the appeal?
A: The judges on the panel hearing the appeal are Justice Zaini Mazlan, Justice Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, and Justice Noorin Badaruddin.