LAWYERS acting for former senior political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd have written to Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar over what they describe as potentially prejudicial public remarks related to their client’s case.
Defence counsel Yusmadi Yusof said the letter was sent to draw the Attorney General’s attention to a number of public statements, including comments made on podcasts, which the defence fears could compromise the principle of a fair trial.
“The matter is now under the consideration of the Attorney General.
“If necessary, we will not hesitate to write further or take appropriate action should these comments have the potential to distort and prejudice our client’s position,” he said after a case management hearing here today.
Yusmadi said the defence’s sole objective was for the case to be adjudicated fairly in court, based strictly on the law and admissible evidence, rather than being debated in the public sphere in a manner that could invite speculation.
He said the defence team had identified several interviews and comments made in certain podcasts that touched on issues related to cases involving both himself and Shamsul Iskandar.
“We hope all parties will exercise restraint and refrain from commenting on the facts of the case in the media.
“If there is any evidence or issue to be raised, it should be presented in court through the established legal process, not through social media or podcasts,” he said.
Yusmadi added that inappropriate remarks could not only affect the individual making them, but also risk interfering with and prejudicing his client’s case, even where the matters are being heard in different courts.
Earlier in the proceedings, Shamsul Iskandar’s defence team informed the court that they intend to file an application to transfer his case to the Kuala Lumpur High Court, citing the existence of legal issues that warrant consideration at a higher judicial level.
His lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, said the matter was raised during the case management session held this morning. At the same proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that it was still in the process of preparing relevant documents for disclosure to the defence.
“We informed the court that the defence hopes these documents can be handed over as soon as possible.
“If they cannot be provided all at once, staggered disclosure would also be acceptable so that we can begin reviewing the documents and evidence,” he said.
Amer Hamzah said that after examining the charges against his client, the defence would consider submitting representations should any weaknesses or substantive issues arise.
Both the prosecution and defence agreed for a mention or case resolution date to be fixed on March 11, pending full disclosure of prosecution documents and the filing of the application to transfer the case.
Shamsul Iskandar was previously charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with five counts of corruption involving a total of RM176,829.03, allegedly linked to the approval of mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out individually before Judge Suzana Hussin. - January 8, 2025
