Former Pempena chief operating officer Mohamad Rosly Selamat and its former financial controller Lim Khing Tai were today acquitted of a criminal breach of trust charge involving RM169,770 of its funds.

Both were acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court without their defence being called.

NONE Sessions judge Rozana Ali Yusof said after scrutinising the facts, the court found that both acted in a proper manner and were following instructions from their superiors, including the tourism minister.

“There is also evidence from a witness, Ummi Hafilda Ali, that the money was not spent for their own pecuniary interests.

“There is evidence that the transaction and the signing of the said cheques were done in an open and transparent manner. Following this, the court acquits both of you of the charge without calling for your defence,” she said.

Rosly (above) and Lim were jointly charged with CBT of RM169,700 of funds which was entrusted to Pempena, at its office on the 29th floor of the PWTC on Aug 15, 2006.

Eight witnesses including former tourism minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Ummi Hafilda testified.

Rosly was represented by Reginder Singh and G Ragumaran, while Lim was represented by lawyer Cheow Wee.

DPP Muhamad Anas Mahadzir prosecuted.