The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur acquitted and released former Selangor exco member Mohd Sharif Jajang from charges of graft regarding a land application in Sepang after seven years of trial.

Judge Yong Zarida Sazali made the decision after analysing statements and arguments from both the prosecution and defence, whereby the defence had cast a reasonable doubt towards the end of the case.

In the decision, she also stated that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“Therefore, the court has released him and acquitted him of all charges,” said Yong Zarida.

The hearings which began in 2004 has called on 32 prosecution witnesses and five defence witnesses.

When met outside the court, Mohd Sharif, represented by counsel Mohd Shafee Abdullah, was all smiles and said he was grateful to the defence.

NONE Mohd Sharif, 68 ( right ), faced a charge of using his official position to approve a temporary occupation license application for land in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang for Institut Kemahiran Memandu Sepang Sdn Bhd (Ikmas), a subsidiary of Konsortium Sepang Berhad.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at the Sepang district land office on June 16, 1997, while he was still the Dengkil assemblyperson and Sepang district land committee member.

The charges were provided under Section 2 (1) Ordinance No. 22 Emergency (Essential Powers) which carries a maximum of 14 years jail sentence or fine of not more than RM20,000, or both, upon conviction.

Prosecution was carried out by deputy public prosecutor Zulkarnain Hassan.

- Bernama