Malaysia: AG clarifies why charges against Musa ‘untenable’

  • ATTORNEY-GENERAL Idrus Harun must explain why his office withdrew the 46 corruption and money-laundering charges against former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman, said Pakatan Harapan.
  • “The Attorney-General’s Chamber’s decision is confounding and disappointing as the 46 charges involved corruption of more than USD50mn (MYR213mn).” said the opposition in a statement on 9 Jun.
  • PH said Idrus, who was picked by Perikatan Nasional as the new A-G, should give a full account of why the charges against Musa were withdrawn.
  • The attorney-general cited the inability to obtain vital documentary evidence from Hong Kong as among the reasons for freeing former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman of his 46 corruption and money laundering charges.
  • Idrus Harun said the documents were needed to prove a case of such nature.
  • He said documentary evidence from companies and banks, which were expected, could not be obtained through the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters ordinance from Hong Kong.
  • “Apart from that, there are witnesses for the prosecution who have passed away, suffered serious medical ailments or are not in Malaysia anymore. This recent development including the aforesaid affidavit in support that was filed has caused a situation wherein it is no longer tenable to continue with the prosecution of Tan Sri Musa Aman,” Idrus said in a statement, referring to the affidavit to strike out the application against all of Musa’s charges affirmed by former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail.
  • He said the decision was strengthened by a letter dated 22 Dec 11 from Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) stating that its investigation against Musa was complete.
  • The ICAC also said it would not pursue further investigative action “on the basis of known facts”.

External Link : https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/252374

External Link : https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/09/ag-tells-why-charges-against-musa-untenable/

9-Jun-2020