{
  "id": 1924828,
  "title": "My lawsuit not an act of revenge, says Shahrir Samad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/my-lawsuit-not-an-act-of-revenge-says-shahrir-samad",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T11:43:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1514688/my-lawsuit-not-act-revenge-says-shahrir-samad"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad testified in court that his lawsuit was not a retaliatory move, but rather to ensure proper enforcement of powers. Speaking at the High Court, Shahrir, 76, clarified that the immense powers to investigate, seize, arrest and prosecute should only be exercised after a proper investigation of fundamental aspects. He emphasized that anyone, including himself, could be investigated if there were valid grounds for it. Shahrir did not claim immunity from investigation but insisted that investigations must be thorough and fair before arresting and charging someone with a serious offence. The lawsuit, filed against former AG Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, former MACC Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya, the MACC, and the government, concerns malicious prosecution allegations. In January 2020, Shahrir was charged in the Sessions Court with failing to declare RM1 million received from former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). This case was later transferred to the High Court for trial. On January 5, 2023, the High Court acquitted Shahrir after the prosecution decided not to proceed with the case, following testimony from MACC investigating officer Nurzahidah Yacop who stated she had not investigated whether the RM1 million was income or a reimbursement. Shahrir maintained that the RM1 million was a reimbursement from Najib, not income, as he had arranged a meeting with Najib in late 2013 to discuss the restoration of Puri Langkasuka and seek reimbursement for personal savings he had advanced for the project's repair costs and further restoration work.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former Johor Baru member of parliament Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad told the High Court here today that his lawsuit was not intended as an act of revenge, but to ensure that enforcement powers are exercised appropriately.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shahrir Samad's lawsuit against former officials is not an act of revenge.",
    "Claims lawsuit aims to ensure proper enforcement of investigative powers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}