Rasuah: Bekas perunding hartanah dipenjara 10 tahun, didenda RM228 juta

A former Malaysian land underwriter was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined RM228 million after a high court appeal was upheld by the Johor High Court, a report by FMT revealed. Amir Shariffuddin Abd Raub was found guilty of 33 counts of accepting bribes under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency Act (SPRM).

The three-judge panel comprising Zaini Mazlan, Wong Kian Kheong, and Evrol Mariette Peters ruled that the defendant had successfully proved his case with the supporting evidence, considering the totality of the circumstances. In his summary, Mr. Shariffuddin claimed that the money he received was bribary and pointed out that his relationship with former Johor Menteri Besar Latif Bandi was relevant to prove his role as an influence seller.

Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, the Deputy Public Prosecutor, subsequently endorsed the appeal decision to FMT. The court also issued a committal warning to 53-year-old Amir, who was previously released on bail, to begin his prison sentence despite having already served time. Amir was charged with 33 counts of accepting bribes under Section 16(a)(B) of the SPRM Act, and four counts of money laundering, each carrying a 5-year prison sentence and a RM75.9 million fine or 3 years in prison if unpaid.

Given the simultaneous prison sentences for both charges, Amir will serve at least 10 years in prison.