Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said the lengthy delay in prosecuting former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo over his lavish Shah Alam mansion was because a very thorough probe had to be conducted.

NONE He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had to study very minute details that included the valuation of the land, house and its interior furnishings.

“Put it this way. Having bought a house at a cheaper price does not immediately create an offence, otherwise everyone of you who goes to buy things on sale will be automatically committing an offence," he said.

“You have to go back to the basis of it (the case), how the matter was transacted; (getting) witnesses; recording of witnesses statements; getting everything clear... Especially since this happened some time ago... we cannot have a flimsy investigation."

NONE Abdul Gani was speaking to reporters after Mohd Khir and Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni were charged with graft at the Shah Alam Sessions Court today.

Mohd Khir was alleged to have committed graft when he bought two plots of land for the mansion from Shamsuddin Haryoni at a huge discount. Shamsuddin is further charged with abetting Mohd Khir.

Witnesses 'will be protected '

Abdul Gani also revealed that the prosecution plans to call at least 16 witnesses. The prosecution has also applied for the case to be heard by the High Court.

He stressed that the prosecution will apply the “the full force of the law” to prevent possible tampering with witnesses.

khir toyo mansion 060709 06 Asked why the two accused were not charged under the MACC Act, Abdul Gani said the offence proper was committed under the Penal Code.

“But our accusation is by virtue of the MACC Act. If you had listened earlier in court, I mentioned that this is a prescribed offence under the MACC Act and, by virtue of that, it becomes a seizeable offence.

“If it is only under the Penal Code, it becomes a summons case and you get a warrant of arrest, but we are using the MACC Act."