The Sessions Court today ordered Dr Hamimah Idruss to make her defence against eight charges involving RM41.33mil under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 (AMLA).

Judge Asmadi Hussin made the decision after the prosecution led by deputy public prosecutor Mustaqim Sukarno proved a prima facie case against Hamimah.

Fifty-four witnesses were called to testify including two witnesses from Germany and former deputy health minister Suleiman Mohamed since the case was first heard on July 12, 2005.

Earlier, the prosecution told the court that defence counsel S Pushpam had died on May 24 due to health problems.

Asked by Asmadi what has she got to say, Hamimah said: “The case has been postponed many times. I don’t want any postponement.. it has been seven years.”

The case was postponed three times since March 31 as the counsel had to undergo surgery at Kinta Medical Centre, Perak after suffering from dehydration, fatigue and complications.

Asmadi allowed the case to resume on Thursday so that Hamimah can engage another defence counsel.

Hamimah is alleged to have received proceeds from illegal activities amounting RM41.33mil between June 3-10, 2003.

The charge under Section 4 (1) of AMLA provides for fine up to RM5 million or five years’ jail upon conviction.

She also faces ten counts of abetting employee Yusaini Wan Abi Sabian, 41, with falsifiying the agreement of Safire Pharmaceuticals (M) Sdn Ltd, each worth US$1.2 million (RM4.56 million).

The charge under Section 109 of Penal Code carries seven years’ maximum jail sentence and fine if convicted.

Hamimah made history as the first person in Malaysia to be charged under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 more than seven years ago.

- Bernama