Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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(Oct 27): The High Court today refused bail to former Batu Kawan Umno division vice-chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan and lawyer Matthias Chang, pending a Federal Court proceeding next week to determine the validity of the use of a security law against them.

Judge Datuk Mohd Azman Husin said he was bound by section 13 of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to decline bail to those facing charges under a security offence.

A week ago, Azman referred the case to the Federal Court to determine whether Sosma procedures could be used against the two for an offence under the Penal Code.

“Anyway, I wish both of you the best in the Federal Court proceedings.”

Two weeks ago, both were charged in the magistrate’s court with attempting to sabotage the banking and financial services.

Khairuddin had lodged several reports with foreign authorities over state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) while Chang had accompanied his client.

The Federal Court will hear the matter on November 3.

However, the two were produced before Azman today to fix trial dates, pending the outcome of the apex court’s decision.

Another mention date had been fixed on November 5.

Lawyer Zainur Zakaria, who appeared for the two, then applied for bail on grounds that the judge had the discretion to set them free pending the outcome in the Federal Court.

He said at this juncture it was still uncertain if the two were facing a charge where Sosma's procedure could be applied on them.

Deputy public prosecutor Nordin Ismail opposed bail because they were already charged although no plea was taken before a magistrate.

Khairuddin, 53 and Chang, 66 were charged under Section 124L of the Penal Code (for attempting to sabotage the national banking and financial services).

Those found guilty could be jailed up to 15 years.

They allegedly committed the offence at five locations between June 28 and August 26, this year.

The locations are the office of the France Economic and Financial Crimes Division chief in Paris; Charing Cross Police station, London, United Kingdom; office of the Switzerland Attorney General in Bern; Wai Chan Police station, Hong Kong and Cantonment Police Headquarters, Singapore.

Chang, who was given the opportunity to speak from the dock, said the charge was defective as visiting the four police stations and AG's office in Switzerland could not be a crime.

"Both of us are fighting for everyone so that there will not be a misuse of the law," he said.

He urged Azman to set them free because both had been under police detention for more than a month.

Chang said both were undergoing horrendous experience but "we are dignified." – The Malaysian Insider

 

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