THE trial of former Felda chairman Shahrir Ab Samad, who is charged with failing to declare RM1 million he received from jailed former prime minister Najib Razak to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), was today postponed to December 22 because the prosecution’s star witness was unwell.

Judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin granted the postponement after deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Azmi informed the court that the 22nd prosecution witness, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Asst Supt Nurzahidah Yacop had been given a medical leave certificate by Putrajaya Health Clinic.

“The court also sets the trial to begin on January 5,” the judge said.

Previously, Rasyidah said Nurzahidah had applied to the court yesterday to allow her to go to the clinic for treatment, adding that the prosecution had also received the MC.

“Today has been set for the cross-examination of the witness, who is important for this case and the prosecution has no intention of delaying the court’s time, but this is a matter of health that should not be taken lightly.

“Therefore, we request that today’s hearing be postponed while the previously fixed dates – December 22 and 23 – are retained for us to call the witness and Najib,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shahrir’s counsel, Faisal Al-Edros Syed Abdullah Al-Edros, confirmed that he had received the information yesterday on WhatsApp.

“I respect the prosecution’s request to postpone today’s trial and the defence does not take this lightly. However, we request that this case be resolved as soon as possible as my client is trying to clear his name.

“During the general election, he did not contest on the grounds that it was not fair for the voters in Johor Baru, because in the minds of the people he was part of the court cluster,” he said and requested that the trial be set for next month.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Afif Ali then said that the prosecution had no intention to delay the proceedings.

Shahrir, 72, was charged with money laundering, by not stating his real income in the Income Tax Return Form for Assessment Year 2013 in violation of section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967, on the RM1 million, believed to be from unlawful activities, which he received from Najib through a cheque.

He was charged with committing the offence at IRB, Duta Branch, Government Office Complex, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim on April 25, 2014, under section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which provides a maximum fine of RM5 million, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both if found guilty. – Bernama, December 15, 2022.