The High Court in Seremban today overturned the conviction and sentence imposed by the Sessions Court on Lenggeng state assemblyperson Mustafa Salim for corruption, and acquitted and discharged him.

The appellant was found guilty and sentenced to three years’ jail and fined RM20,000 by Judge Amran Jantan on April 1, 2011, for receiving RM2,000 from one M Manimaran at Restoran Jahrin Maju, Taman Bunga Raya 2, Mantin, near Seremban at 5pm on Aug 31, 2008.

The money was purportedly an inducement for him to issue a supporting letter involving a sand project.

In her ruling, Justice Siti Mariah Ahmad said the Sessions Court had erred in its judgement in convicting Mustafa, 53.

“The High Court finds that the Sessions Court had failed to thoroughly address the testimonies and evidences by witnesses from both the defence and prosecution.

“It is apparent from the witnesses’ testimonies as well as evidence and supporting documents that the money was meant for welfare,” she held.

The appellant was represented by counsel Zamani Ibrahim and counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, while deputy public prosecutor Mohd Fairuz Johari appeared for the prosecution.

- Bernama