Former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad’s application to review the Federal Court’s decision on his corruption conviction and sentence is scheduled to be heard on May 13, as he continues serving his prison term at Sungai Buloh Prison.
Isa, who filed the review application on March 4, is seeking to overturn the six-year jail sentence and RM15.45 million fine imposed over corruption charges linked to the purchase of a hotel in Sarawak.
His lawyer, Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat and Deputy Public Prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz confirmed the hearing date when contacted, according to Bernama.
On February 10, the Federal Court reinstated Mohd Isa’s conviction and sentence, restoring the High Court’s earlier ruling of six years’ imprisonment and a RM15.45 million fine, with an additional two years’ jail in default of payment. The Court of Appeal had previously acquitted him in 2024 of nine corruption charges before the higher court overturned that decision.
A three-judge panel led by Datuk Nordin Hassan allowed the prosecution’s appeal, finding that the High Court had correctly ruled on the receipt of RM3.09 million in bribes linked to the Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd acquisition of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching for RM160 million.
The court held that the gratification received was presumed corrupt under Section 50(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 unless proven otherwise. It also noted that communications involving intermediaries supported the findings of a bribe-related request in the case.
The upcoming hearing will determine whether Mohd Isa’s conviction and sentence will be reviewed by the Federal Court.
