Delay of ex-youth and sports officer’s appeal irks judge

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today voiced disappointment over the adjournment of the appeal hearing involving former youth and sports ministry senior officer Otman Arsahd, who was convicted three years ago.

At the start of proceedings this morning, Justice Noor Ruwena Nurdin said the appeal had been pending for too long.

“I am quite frustrated as I am ready to hear this case. It is a 2023 case. It has taken so long for the appeal to be heard,” she told parties.

Otman was sentenced on July 6, 2023 to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined RM284.2 million after the sessions court found him guilty on 32 corruption and 64 money laundering charges.

He was granted a stay of execution pending his appeal.

Ruwena noted that defence counsel Rafique Rashid Ali was unable to prepare his submissions in time due to the voluminous documents involved, and allowed a four-day hearing to begin on Sept 21.

However, the judge cautioned that she would not entertain similar requests in future.

“Since this is the first postponement of the case, I will allow it.

“However, I hope there will be no further requests for adjournment as I will not entertain them, as it may give the impression that the matter is not being resolved, particularly given that the special corruption High Court has been established to hear such cases.

“I trust you will get your priorities right,” she said.

The judge also expressed hope that the appeal would be disposed of this year.

Deputy public prosecutors Farah Yasmin Salleh and Haresh Prakash appeared for the prosecution.