Sentence changed for Umno man who intimidated 1MDB key witness
Published on: Monday, July 01, 2024
By:
FMT, V Anbalagan
Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam has promised not to intimidate the witness anymore.
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court today varied Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam’s sentence for intimidating a key witness in Najib Razak’s 1MDB trial by substituting his jail sentence with a one-year bond of good behaviour.
A three-member bench chaired by Justice Nallini Pathmanathan said the one-month jail sentence was varied as Lokman had made a full and unreserved apology to the court before a ruling was made.
ADVERTISEMENT
“There was a material change in circumstance today as the appellant had promised not to repeat his action,” said Nallini.
The other members on the bench were Justices Rhodzariah Bujang and Abu Bakar Jais.
Today’s sentence means that the court can recall Lokman’s case if he misbehaves during the one-year period, and impose the necessary punishment.
Last year, Lokman sent representations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on his conviction and jail sentence, which were rejected.
ADVERTISEMENT
On Sept 29, 2019, Lokman lodged a police report challenging the credibility of Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin, Najib’s former special officer, as a witness. While on the witness stand, Amhari had admitted to receiving a US$200,000 loan from fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low.
After lodging the report, Lokman also read out a statement to the press. A video of him reading his statement included an interview during which he was said to have attacked the integrity of the attorney-general.
ADVERTISEMENT
On Oct 22, 2019, High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed then attorney-general Tommy Thomas to initiate committal proceedings against Lokman.
The prosecution submitted that apart from threatening the witness and other potential witnesses, Lokman’s comments about Amhari had undermined the administration of justice.
Najib, 67, faces four charges of abusing his position to obtain gratification totalling RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount. The trial is ongoing.
On July 15, 2021, Sequerah sentenced Lokman to a month’s jail after finding him guilty of contempt, but allowed a stay provided that he post a RM3,000 bond with one surety.
In his judgment, Sequerah said Lokman displayed no remorse and was unrepentant for his actions, which was an aggravating factor.
The Court of Appeal, in affirming the conviction and sentence, said Lokman’s intention to disrespect the court could also be seen in his conduct.
Today, lawyer Shafee Abdullah submitted that Lokman’s actions were due to wrong advice given to him at the time.
“I have advised him on the consequences of intimidating the witness. He realised it was a mistake,” he said.
Shafee also pointed out that Lokman, a politician, was a first-time offender and urged the court to avoid imposing a custodial sentence.
“A conditional bond or a fine of RM1,000 could be imposed,” he said, adding that any amount of RM2,000 and above could prevent Lokman from contesting an election over the next five years.
Deputy public prosecutor Dusuki Mokhtar said the court should caution Lokman on top of imposing a good behaviour bond and a fine.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
