My acquittal has nothing to do with other politicians' cases, says Bung

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has denied any connection between his acquittal from corruption charges and the release of other political leaders. He expressed gratitude towards the High Court judge for their commitment to the case, which lasted five years. Bung Moktar emphasized that just because Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was freed, it does not mean he should be acquitted as well. He stated that the judge acquitted him due to the prosecution’s failure to prove wrongdoing and the change of testimony by two key witnesses. After leaving the courtroom, Bung Moktar, the Sabah Umno chief, spoke to reporters on Thursday (Sept 7).

Justice Azhar Abdul Hamid approved the revision application made by Bung Moktar and his wife Datin Seri Zizie Izette, overturning the Sessions Court’s decision that ordered them to enter their defense in a corruption case involving RM2.8 million. The judge deemed it appropriate for the court to exercise its revisionary power under Section 323 of the Criminal Procedure Code. While Bung Moktar appeared calm, his wife sobbed upon hearing the court’s decision.

Bung Moktar expressed his gratitude for the acquittal and thanked Allah. He also acknowledged the hard work of his legal team. On May 3, 2019, Bung Moktar faced two charges of accepting bribes amounting to RM2.2 million and RM262,500 as an inducement to secure Felcra approval for a RM150 million investment in Public Mutual unit trusts. The allegations claimed that Bung Moktar received the bribes through Zizie Izette from Public Mutual Berhad’s investment agent, Madhi Abdul Hamid, at Public Bank’s Taman Melawati Branch between 12.30pm and 5pm on June 12, 2015.

Bung Moktar also faced another charge for receiving RM337,500 in cash from Unit Amanah consultant Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar, under the name of Zizie Izette, at the same place and for the same reason on June 19, 2015. Zizie Izette, on the other hand, faced three charges of abetting her husband in these matters at the same place, date, and time.