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Court defers ruling on ex-senior civil servant, son’s RM627,000 graft appeals

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Court of Appeal Postpones Ruling in Bribery Case

PUTRAJAYA

The Court of Appeal has postponed its ruling on former rural and regional development ministry secretary-general Arif Ab Rahman’s final appeal in a S$200,000 (RM627,640) bribery case linked to a 2016 rural electricity project in Sandakan.

A Three-Member Bench

A three-member bench chaired by Justice Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera Aslam also adjourned its decision in the appeal of Arif’s son, Ahmad Zukhairi, on four counts of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to S$200,000 in cash in the same year. Justices Lim Chong Fong and Azizul Azmi Adnan were also on the panel.

Submission by Lawyers

Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Arif, 67, told reporters that the judges needed more time to arrive at a ruling. "A case management will be held on November 7 to fix a date to deliver the decision," he said. Meanwhile, lawyer M Athimulan, acting for Ahmad Zukhairi, 42, said the trial judge erred in refusing to accept his client’s explanation when asked to enter his defence, adding that the reasons proffered were reasonable and probable.

Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Submission

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin, who was assisted by DPP Norzilati Izhani Zainal, urged the bench to uphold the conviction and sentences imposed on the duo, saying that the trial judge did not err in fact or law.

Background of the Case

On March 23, 2021, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur upheld a three-year jail sentence and a RM3 million fine imposed on Arif. Justice Aslam Zainuddin Aslam also upheld the sentence of five years’ jail and RM9.6 million fine imposed on Ahmad Zukhairi for soliciting and receiving bribes. The sessions court had convicted the father-son duo on November 14, 2018 after a trial.

Conclusion

The appeals court has postponed its ruling on the case, citing the need for more time to arrive at a decision. The lawyers for both Arif and Ahmad Zukhairi have submitted their arguments, with Hisyam Teh Poh Teik representing Arif and M Athimulan representing Ahmad Zukhairi. The court will reconvene on November 7 to fix a date to deliver the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the amount of the bribery in question?
A: S$200,000 (RM627,640)

Q: What is the background of the case?
A: The case involves a 2016 rural electricity project in Sandakan.

Q: What is the punishment imposed on the father and son?
A: Arif was sentenced to three years’ jail and a RM3 million fine, while Ahmad Zukhairi was sentenced to five years’ jail and a RM9.6 million fine.

Q: When was the father-son duo convicted?
A: The father-son duo was convicted on November 14, 2018.

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