Insufficient evidence to charge Khairuddin with quarantine breach, says A-G

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 21 Oct 2020 4:46PM · 6 Comments

Attorney-General Idrus Harun says there is insufficient evidence to bring charges against Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali over an alleged quarantine breach, as no form was issued to him. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 21, 2020.

THERE is insufficient evidence to prefer any charges against Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali for allegedly violating a quarantine order in July, the attorney-general said today.

Idrus Harun said in a statement that the AG’s Chambers (AGC) found there was no home surveillance or observation order issued to the minister for him to observe the quarantine, as stipulated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

“Form 14B, as prescribed in the guidelines by the Health Ministry containing an order for home surveillance or observation order under subsection 15(1) of the Act had never been issued to the minister before he was allowed to leave. 

“For an act to be considered an offence of breaking a home quarantine order under the Act, the home surveillance or observation order is required to be issued to the minister under subsection 15(1) of the Act,” he said.

He said this in confirming Bukit Aman CID director Huzir Mohamed’s statement earlier today, that the AGC has decided there will be no further action against Khairuddin. 

Huzir told reporters the decision was made after it was discovered that Khairuddin was not issued with form 14B.

Idrus said Khairuddin had visited Turkey on July 3 and flew back to Malaysia on July 7. 

“Upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the minister underwent a health inspection and screening process for Covid-19 (swab test) and the result was found to be negative. 

“The minister was allowed to return to his residence by the authorised officer from the ministry.

“Subsequently, the minister underwent a second health screening on July 10 at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for the purpose of attending a ceremony at Istana Negara on August 17. The result of the second screening was also found to be negative,” he said.

He added that police had conducted a thorough investigation into allegations the minister had flouted a mandatory home quarantine order upon his return from Turkey. 

The attorney-general said after full consideration and deliberation of all available evidence, the chambers found no home surveillance or observation order had been issued to Khairuddin. 

“Accordingly, based on the above consideration, the chambers has decided to not prefer any charge against the minister due to insufficient evidence and hence fails to meet the required burden of proof under the law.” 

After his case came to light, Khairuddin apologised for breaching the standard operating procedure and pledged to return his salaries as a minister from May to August, and contribute the amount to the National Disaster Relief Fund.

He said it was his responsibility as a minister to comply with the regulations and SOP, throughout the recovery movement-control order.

Following public outcry about his behaviour, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Khairuddin was fined RM1,000. – October 21, 2020.

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Comments

  • Keputusan keatas kes ini tidak menghairankan langsung Dan telah diduga. Walaubagaimanapun tahap kecekapan Dan prestasi Badan Kerajaan yg terlibat dlm kes ini perlu diperkemaskan kesatu tahap yg lebih professional demi kepentingan /kepercayaan Rakyat .

    Posted 3 years ago by Abdul Rashid · Reply

  • The minister is innocent but the police are guilty? Otherwise how do you explain all those ordinary folks being handcuffed and locked up? Should the police not be held answerable?

    Posted 3 years ago by Loyal Malaysian · Reply

  • The minister was not fined RM1,000. He was offered the option to compound his alleged offence for RM1,000 and he accepted. Fines, imprisonment, whipping etc. are punishments meted out by the court after a formal charge has been preferred against the accused person. In Khairuddin's case, he was not charged since the AG decided not to charge him according to this article.

    Posted 3 years ago by Léon Moch · Reply

  • NFA - No Fucking Action

    Posted 3 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • NFA was expected from Day1. No surprises

    Posted 3 years ago by SG Chuah · Reply

  • What a waste.. So tell every Malaysians since day 1 , he is a minister. Different rules apply to them. Only commoners like us will pay the price for not following the laws

    Posted 3 years ago by YUSHRI ZAINUDIN · Reply