KLIA gunman fails to get 7-year jail term backdated

Shah Alam High Court has rejected Hafizul Hawari's appeal to start his seven-year jail sentence for the KLIA shooting at the date of his arrest in 2024. Hafizul will now serve the seven-year term after completing his six-year sentence imposed by Kota Baru Sessions Court for other offences. The High Court upheld Kota Baru Court's ruling that the KLIA sentences would commence only after Hafizul completes his existing term.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his estranged wife and causing grievous hurt to her bodyguard during the April 14, 2024 incident at KLIA Terminal 1. He was given five years for attempted murder and seven years for grievous hurt. The sentences were to run concurrently, with the seven-year term beginning after completion of his Kota Bharu jail term.

Hafizul faced additional charges of illegal possession of a Glock pistol and other items before his current sentence. His appeal focused on backdating the KLIA sentences rather than challenging his convictions or sentence lengths. His lawyer argued that nearly 20 months of remand should be factored into the sentence start date, citing Hafizul's early guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and remorse.

However, the High Court judge upheld the Sessions Court's order, stating that backdating a sentence is at the judge's discretion and not an automatic right, even with significant remand time. The judge ruled that the Sessions Court's decision was lawful, fair, and consistent with the relevant legal provisions.