THE prosecution in the criminal breach of trust case of former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) director-general Hasanah Abdul Hamid is applying for the proceedings to be heard “in-camera” for 15 witnesses as it involves national security issues.

She is alleged to have committed CBT by misappropriating RM50.4 million in funds belonging to the Malaysian government.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhamad Iskandar Ahmad informed high court judicial commissioner Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh that the prosecution will file the application as soon as possible and request that the trial date from October 5 to 22  be maintained.

“The prosecution today has submitted 22 additional documents to the defence and I would like to inform the court that the prosecution will submit an application for ‘in-camera’ proceedings,” he said during case management today, which was attended by Hasanah’s counsel, Hamdan Hamzah.

Shahrir set October 5 for the hearing of the application and instructed both parties to file written submissions by September 30.

Iskandar told reporters they intended to hold closed proceedings for 15 witnesses on the grounds it involved national interests and security issues.

“The witnesses in the case total 37,” he said.

The trial is set for October 5, 6, 8, 12-15 and 19-22.

On October 25, 2018, Hasanah pleaded not guilty in the sessions court to the CBT charge.

Hasanah, in her capacity as a civil servant, is alleged to have committed the offence at the office of the director-general in Putrajaya between April 30 and May 9, 2018. 

She was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping and fine, upon conviction. – Bernama, September 21, 2020.