Latest news with #AttorneyGeneral'sChambers
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
'Inexcusable': AGC must answer for repeated DNAAs in high-profile corruption cases, says C4
PETALING JAYA: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) must be held accountable for its repeated failures in a number of high-profile court cases that have ended in a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), says the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4). It said the recent pattern of flawed prosecutions involving political figures that ended in a DNAA showcased a possible significant deep-rooted institutional incompetence within the prosecutorial office. 'These are not normal criminal cases; they implicate corruption involving some of the most powerful political figures in the country, and as such, should be treated with the highest priority. 'It is inexcusable that DNAAs keep being granted on the basis that the AGC had failed to adhere to basic procedures, which are part of any criminal prosecution. 'Not only were they simply not prepared for this case that has been in progress for 6 years, they did not even object to the DNAA,' it said in a press statement on Friday (June 20). This comes after former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was granted a DNAA for three counts of money laundering involving RM27mil linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd by the High Court on Friday (June 20). C4 said Najib's newest DNAA joins a long list of recent similar failures by the AGC in court, including Najib and former treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah being granted a DNAA in the RM6.6bil criminal breach of trust case linked to payments to the International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) in November last year. Another recent high-profile case involved Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was granted a DNAA for all 47 graft charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds on Sept 4, 2023. C4 also questioned the lack of any attempts by the AGC to publicly address its repeated failures in high-profile court cases, adding that it was sowing public distrust in the government and judiciary. 'Why have there been no public attempts to remedy this or address these prosecutorial failures? 'This lack of accountability only serves to deepen public distrust, erode confidence in the rule of law, and reinforce the perception that justice in Malaysia is neither independent nor equal,' it added. It also called on the AGC to publicly commit to refiling the charges for all cases where political figures have received a DNAA as soon as possible.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
AGC files appeal against Yusoff Rawther's acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has filed a notice of appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to acquit and discharge Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, a former research assistant to a politician, of charges of trafficking cannabis and possessing two imitation firearms. In a statement today, the AGC said the appeal challenges the High Court's June 12 ruling which acquitted the accused without calling for his defence at the close of the prosecution's case, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234) and Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206). 'Upon careful consideration of the learned High Court judge's decision, we have filed a notice of appeal earlier today against the acquittal and discharge,' the statement read. 'Section 39B(2) of Act 234 provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if the death penalty is not imposed, the sentence shall include not less than 12 strokes of the cane. Section 36(1) of Act 206 carries a maximum sentence of one year's imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both,' it added. On June 12, Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin acquitted Muhammed Yusoff, 32, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him at the end of its case. In his judgment, the judge said the prosecution had failed to prove that he had custody, control, or possession of the two imitation firearms and the drugs in question, based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses.
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
AGC files appeal against Yusoff Rawther's acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR — The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has filed a notice of appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to acquit and discharge Muhammed Yusoff Rawther (picture), a former research assistant to a politician, of charges of trafficking cannabis and possessing two imitation firearms. In a statement today, the AGC said the appeal challenges the High Court's June 12 ruling which acquitted the accused without calling for his defence at the close of the prosecution's case, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234) and Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206). 'Upon careful consideration of the learned High Court judge's decision, we have filed a notice of appeal earlier today against the acquittal and discharge,' the statement read. 'Section 39B(2) of Act 234 provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if the death penalty is not imposed, the sentence shall include not less than 12 strokes of the cane. Section 36(1) of Act 206 carries a maximum sentence of one year's imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both,' it added. On June 12, Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin acquitted Muhammed Yusoff, 32, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him at the end of its case. In his judgment, the judge said the prosecution had failed to prove that he had custody, control, or possession of the two imitation firearms and the drugs in question, based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses. — BERNAMA
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
AGC files appeal over Yusoff Rawther's acquittal
PETALING JAYA: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has filed a notice of appeal against the High Court's decision that cleared Muhammed Yusoff Rawther of drug trafficking and imitation firearms possession charges. The AGC said the appeal challenges the High Court's June 12 ruling which acquitted the accused without calling for his defence at the close of the prosecution's case, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234) and Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206). 'After taking into consideration the Kuala Lumpur High Court judge's decision, the AGC has filed an Appeal Notice to appeal the discharge and acquittal,' the AGC said in a statement on Monday (June 16). "Section 39B(2) of Act 234 provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, and if the death penalty is not imposed, the sentence shall include not less than 12 strokes of the cane. Section 36(1) of Act 206 carries a maximum sentence of one year's imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both," it added. On June 12, the High Court acquitted Muhammed Yusoff from two charges of drug trafficking and possession of two imitation firearms. Justice Muhammad Jamil Hussin, in his decision at the end of the prosecution's case, said the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie against Muhammed Yusoff.
The Star
13-06-2025
- The Star
We welcome constructive criticism, says IGP after Yusoff Rawther acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman acknowledges and respects the views expressed by various quarters following the High Court's decision to acquit Muhammed Yusoff Rawther of drug trafficking and firearms-related charges. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain ( pic ) said police were waiting the full written judgment to examine whether there were any gaps or weaknesses in the investigation into the case, which involved cannabis distribution and possession of two imitation firearms last year. 'We are open to reviewing the matter internally and are prepared to improve our investigative procedures, including a reassessment of our standard operating procedures (SOPs),' he said. Razarudin said police welcomed constructive criticism and feedback, which he viewed as a sincere effort to uphold the principles of justice and human rights within the country's criminal justice system. 'Every police report, regardless of the profile of the individual involved, is investigated fairly and without prejudice. This applies to the Yusoff Rawther case as well. "As per Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, the decision to prosecute lies entirely with the Attorney General's Chambers,' he added. Razarudin also addressed the initial police report filed by Yusoff on Sept 12 last year, which led to two investigation papers being opened—one related to the drug find, and the other concerning the imitation firearms. He clarified that sufficient action was already taken at the early stage of the complaint. "At the time, the police had submitted both investigation papers to the Attorney General's Chambers with a recommendation to charge Yusoff, and we were satisfied that the available evidence was sufficient to proceed without needing to interview other parties,' he said. Razarudin reaffirmed the police's commitment to learning from court rulings, especially in cases where the outcome is not in favour of the prosecution. 'As with other past cases, we remain attentive to judicial decisions and continuously take proactive steps to improve investigative quality and optimise prosecutorial effectiveness,' he said. On Thursday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Yusoff after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the 32-year-old former research assistant to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on both counts. Justice Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to require Yusoff to enter his defence. Yusoff was charged with trafficking 305g of cannabis, allegedly found in a vehicle he was travelling in near the surau at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters at about 10.15am on Sept 6 last year. He also faced a second charge of possessing two imitation pistols near a condominium at Jalan Bukit Kiara at about 9.25am on the same day.
