Umno veteran Shahrir Samad has been freed of money-laundering charges involving RM1 million, allegedly received from former prime minister Najib Razak. 

The former Johor Bahru MP was given a full acquittal by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Azmi informed the court that the prosecution did not intend to pursue the case. 

“Our institutions are not to continue,” Rasyidah said.

Judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin granted full acquittal for the former Felda chairman.

Shahrir was charged under section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. He was accused of receiving RM1 million from former prime minister Najib Razak in 2013 and not declaring the sum to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). The funds were alleged to have originated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Twenty-two witnesses testified in the trial.

The prosecution had earlier asked for a discharge not amounting to acquittal.  This would have meant that Shahrir could be charged again.

However, Shahri’s lawyers asked for a full acquittal, saying there were insufficient evidence for the charges.

MACC investigating officer Nurzahidah Yacop had recently said that she had in 2020 received instructions from the prosecution, with the permission of then attorney-general Tommy Thomas, to charge Shahrir even though the investigation into the case was still incomplete. – January 5, 2023.