PUTRAJAYA – The Federal Court today ordered businessman Zaidi Kanapiah, better known as “Datuk Addy Kana", and two policemen who were detained under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) 1959 in connection with an illegal online gambling syndicate, to be released immediately.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who chaired the five-member panel, made the order after allowing the trio’s appeal over their applications for a writ of habeas corpus.
The others presiding on the bench are Federal Court judges Datuk Vernon Ong Lam Kiat, Datuk Zaleha Yusof, Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang.
Zaidi, Corporal Muhamad Amin Nur Rashid Mohamed Puad and Corporal Mohd Hairy Mohammad, all aged between 35 and 40, had appealed against the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s dismissal of their applications for a writ of habeas corpus for an immediate release.
Justice Tengku Maimun held that the respondents, namely the magistrates’ court, inspector-general of police, the government and Assistant Superintendent Khairul Fairoz Rodzuan had not met the legal burden to justify the lawfulness of the trio’s detention.
“The appeals are allowed, the order of the high court is set aside and the appellants’ application for a writ of habeas corpus is allowed. It is, therefore, directed that each of the appellants be released from custody forthwith,” said Tengku Maimun. – Bernama, April 27, 2021
