FORMER spy chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid has been granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the Kuala Lumpur High court in her RM50.4 criminal breach of trust case involving government funds.

Judge Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh ordered the discharge after the prosecution informed the court that it will not continue the prosecution against her.

Hasanah had been accused of misappropriating RM50 million in government funds she was entrusted with between April 30 and May 9, 2018

On October 25, 2018, Hasanah pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to a CBT charge involving US$12.1 million (RM50.4 million) belonging to the Malaysian government.

Hasanah, in her capacity as a civil servant, is alleged to have committed the offence at the office of the Director-General, Research Division, Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), Kompleks JPM, Federal Government Administrative Centre in Putrajaya between April 30 and May 9, 2018.

The charge was framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years, whipping, and a fine on conviction.

In allowing the discharge, Shahrir noted the plans to prosecute Hasanah in the future over the matter.

“In the present case, the learned DPP, in applying not to further prosecute the accused, indicates that the accused will be made to face the charge at a later date. The learned DPP also explains about the new development which was discovered.

“In the circumstances, I find that the prosecution has provided good and valid grounds in exercising his powers under the law to not further prosecute the accused. I also find that the new development as explained by the learned DPP is a temporary impediment because the learned DPP confirms that the accused will be made to face the charge in the future.

“Therefore, I hereby order the accused to be given a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA),” the judge said. – April 12, 2021.