Isa Samad S Corruption Case Verdict On Feb 3 Next Year

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Former Felda chairperson Mohd Isa Samad will know on Feb 3 next year whether he is convicted or walks free from his corruption case linked to the purchase of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites (MPHS) by Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FICSB).
The Kuala Lumpur High Court fixed the end-of-defence decision date over the accused’s nine corruption charges during open-court proceedings today.
Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali set the date after having heard oral submissions by the defence's legal team and the prosecution.
Today was set for the end-of-defence oral submission. 
On June 16, the court ordered Isa to enter his defence to the nine corruption charges, following its finding that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against the accused.
On Sept 3, the defence closed its case after having called six witnesses to testify for Isa. 
The accused was charged with nine counts of dishonestly receiving gratification for himself, in cash totalling RM3,090,000, from Ikhwan Zaidel, who is a board member of Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn Bhd, through one Muhammad Zahid Md Arip.
The monies were purportedly gratification for helping to approve the purchase of the hotel by FICSB for RM160 million.
The offences were allegedly perpetrated at Level 49, Menara Felda, Platinum Park, No 11, Persiaran KLCC, between Jul 21, 2014, and Dec 11, 2015.
The nine charges, framed under Section 16a(A) of the MACC Act 2009, is punishable under Section 24 (1) of the same law.
Isa faces a jail term not exceeding 20 years, and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted. 
Initially charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, his case was later transferred to the High Court.
The defence team was headed by Sallehudin Saidin while the prosecution was led by DPP Afzainizam Abdul Aziz. - Mkini

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