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THE High Court has dismissed an application by former senior political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin to transfer his ongoing corruption trial from the Sessions Court to the High Court.
High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin ruled that the applicant had failed to meet the legal requirements under Section 417 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows for the transfer of criminal cases to the High Court only under limited circumstances, including complex legal questions or in the interests of justice.
“I do not find that the applicant has satisfied the requirements of Section 417.
“As the law is settled on this issue, I see no reason to depart from established judicial precedents, some of which are binding.
“Accordingly, the application is dismissed,” New Straits Times cited her saying.
Shamsul, who is also PKR Melaka chief, had argued in his supporting affidavit that his case involved constitutional issues and complex legal questions which he claimed could only be determined by a superior court.
He further contended that the Sessions Court lacked jurisdiction to determine constitutional matters, and that his case raised novel legal questions, including the interpretation of anti-corruption laws in relation to alleged political contributions, statutory interpretation, and issues involving federal and state powers over mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
The corruption case dates back to December last year, when Shamsul pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court to five charges involving RM241,753.03, allegedly linked to the approval of mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
He is accused of receiving cash and benefits from businessman Albert Tei between 24 November 2023 and 5 March 2024, allegedly as inducement to assist in securing mining-related approvals.
A separate charge filed in the Shah Alam Sessions Court involves RM64,924 allegedly paid into a bank account for house rental in Bukit Bandaraya. That case was later transferred to Kuala Lumpur and ordered to be tried jointly with the other charges.
The proceedings are being prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, while Shamsul is represented by lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad.
All five charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher upon conviction. - April 28, 2026
