[ad_1]
KUALA LUMPUR: The indictment in the 50 million ringgit criminal breach of trust case against former intelligence chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid sought to carry out “behind closed doors” proceedings for certain witnesses.
Deputy Prosecutor Muhamad Iskandar Ahmad told High Court Judicial Commissioner Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh that they will submit a formal request in this regard as soon as possible.
He told reporters that the prosecution intended to hold closed-door proceedings (without media or observers) for some 15 witnesses, as they wanted to “protect national interests.”
Hasanah’s lawyer, Hamdan Hamzah, said the defense needed time to respond to the request, adding that they would be ready to proceed with the trial on October 5.
The judge then ordered the prosecution and defense to present their presentations before September 30. Shahrir said he will hear the request for procedures “behind closed doors” on October 5.
The prosecution is expected to call a total of 37 witnesses during the trial, from October 5 to 22.
Hasanah, who previously headed the Malaysian External Intelligence Organization, was charged with misappropriating RM 50 million in government funds entrusted to her between April 30 and May 9, 2018.
If convicted, she faces a fine and a jail term of between two and 20 years.
