THE Putrajaya magistrates’ court has rejected a remand application from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Professor Dr Sundra Rajoo.

In his ruling to strike out the remand application, magistrate Khir Nizam concluded that the anti-graft body has no jurisdiction to detain Sundra Rajoo, who is a high officer and protected under the International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1992 (Act 485).

“Prof Sundra Rajoo remand application by MACC rejected.”

“He is no longer under arrest or remand,” the lawyer representing Sundra Rajoo, Phillip Koh, told The Malaysian Insight.

The MACC had initially applied for a seven-day remand order against the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) director.

Phillip said that Rajoo was also not liable for any form of detention or arrest under the Diplomatic Privileges (Vienna Convention) Act 1966.

“The judge agreed that Sundra Rajoo is protected under the International Organisation Act and is not liable for any form of arrest under diplomatic privileges.”

“He is released without any condition,” Phillip added.

Earlier, Sundra was taken to the Putrajaya magistrates’ court after spending a night at the MACC’s lockup.

He was arrested last night at 10.30pm after turning himself in at the MACC office.

Sundra was thrust into the spotlight after the MACC raided his office and questioned several staff on claims that he allegedly used government funds to obtain favours from past and present ministers to extend his contract as director.

The allegations came in the form of an anonymous letter addressed to the MACC and copied to Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, Inspector-General of Police Fuzi Harun, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Malaysian Bar president George Varughese and other senior government officials. – November 21, 2018.