The MACC will appeal today’s decision by the Sessions Court in Johor Bahru in acquitting and discharging former Johor state exco member Abd Latif Bandi (above) and two others who were charged with 37 counts of corruption and money laundering, involving RM35.7 million.

The commission, in a statement here today, said the appeal would be filed at the High Court within 14 days from today.

Earlier today, Sessions Court judge Kamarudin Kamsun ordered the release of Latif, his son Ahmad Fauzan Hatim and property consultant Amir Shariffuddin Abd Raub after finding the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against them.

For the charges on corruption, the three men were charged with committing the offences in April 2017 under Section 28(1)(C) of the MACC Act 2009, read together with Section 16(a)(B) of the same law.

They were also charged under Section 32(8)(c) and Section 89 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds From Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

For the money laundering charges, the offences were allegedly committed in June 2017.

- Bernama