Former Felda boss Shahrir freed of money laundering charge

Former Felda chairman Shahrir Samad was today acquitted of failing to declare RM1 million received from Najib Razak to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

The decision was made by the Kuala Lumpur High Court, where justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin acquitted and discharged Shahrir after deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Azmi told the court that the prosecution did not wish to continue with the case.

"The deputy public prosecutor confirms that the prosecution process will not be continued any time soon. In such a situation it is appropriate for the accused to be acquitted and discharged.

"The court is using Section 254 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, apart from being bound by the Federal Court decision referred to by the defence. I order for the accused to be acquitted and discharged. The trial dates of Feb 27 and 28 this year have been vacated, and bail and passport will be returned to the accused," said Jamil.

Shahrir was charged with money laundering by failing to state his real income in the income tax return form, a violation of Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967, on the RM1 million, believed to be from unlawful activities, which he received from Najib. 

The cheque was deposited into Shahrir’s Public Islamic Bank account on Nov 28, 2013.
 
He was charged with committing the offence at LHDN, Duta Branch, Government Office Complex, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim on April 25, 2014.

The charge, framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, provides for a maximum fine of RM5 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.