The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today dismissed an appeal by a taxi driver linked with the murder of Arab-Malaysian Banking Group (Ambank) founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi to set aside his conviction for possession of a pistol and four live bullets.

Judge Mohd Azman Husin made the decision after hearing submissions by deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and lawyers Hanif Hashim and Amirul Ridzuan Hanif, representing Chew Siang Chee .

“The court finds that the Sessions Court judge has not erred in making the decision. Therefore, the appeal against the conviction is dismissed.

“However, the court is kind enough to amend the jail sentences so that they be served concurrently,” he added.

On Feb 17 this year, Sessions Court Judge Azwarnida Affandi sentenced Chew, 45, to 10 years’ jail and six strokes of the rotan for possession of the pistol and another four years for possession of the live bullets, to be served consecutively from the day of his arrest on July 30, 2013.

Chew was charged with possession of the pistol and the four live bullets found in a letter box at B-15-2, Kondominium Desa Cindaimas, Jalan Sekutu Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, Brickfields, at 5.45pm on Aug 3, 2013.

The first charge under Section 8 of the Firearms Act (Heavier Penalties) 1971 provides a maximum jail term of 14 years and no less than six strokes of the rotan, while the second charge under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960, provides for a maximum jail term of seven years, or a fine of not more than RM10,000 or both.

- Bernama