FORMER religious affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom will mount a legal challenge against three criminal charges involving RM860.3 million in alleged Tabung Haji asset disposals, with his defence team preparing several applications after reviewing prosecution documents.
His lawyer, Datuk Hamidi Mohd Noh, told the Sessions Court here that the defence intended to challenge the charges and file other applications, including one concerning Jamil Khir's passport.
"We will file several applications, including one relating to the passport, after examining the documents handed over by the prosecution," he said during the case mention before Judge Rosli Ahmad today.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip said the prosecution had handed the defence one volume of documents but required more time to submit the remaining material, including banking records.
Hamidi also raised concerns over social media comments by members of the public, saying some could potentially prejudice the proceedings.
"This case has been brought before the court and is being heard. On social media and among members of the public, they must understand that any decision must come from the court and not social media," he said.
He added that the defence had identified social media accounts whose statements could potentially be referred to the court over possible contempt proceedings.
The court fixed Jan 14 for the next case mention and further document submission.
Jamil Khir, 65, was charged on Sept 14 with three counts of dishonestly causing Tabung Haji to dispose of its assets while he was serving as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).
The charges involve RM42.94 million, RM288.17 million and RM529.19 million, allegedly transferred to Saudi-based property developer and project management company Al-Rawda Real Estate Development and Projects Management Co Ltd.
The alleged offences took place at government offices in Putrajaya on April 3, 2015, Dec 14, 2016 and Aug 17, 2017.
The charges were framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between six months and five years, whipping and a fine upon conviction. - November 5, 2026
