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Former Umno Information Chief to Learn Contempt of Court Fate on July 1
Malaysian court is set to decide on whether Isham Jalil, a former Umno information chief, will be held in contempt of court over remarks perceived to undermine public confidence in the judiciary on July 1.
High Court judge K. Muniandy announced the date following submissions in the contempt proceedings filed by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), as reported by New Straits Times.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam presented the argument that Isham's statements have tarnished the reputation of the judiciary by questioning the actions and decisions of the Federal Court and the High Court in the 1MDB and SRC International criminal cases. He emphasized that Isham's comments pose a risk of eroding public trust in the justice system.
In opposition, Isham's lawyer, Tan Sri Azizan Harun, contended that the statements were not made with the intention of bringing the court into disrepute. He also claimed that the AGC failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Isham's actions constituted contempt.
Azizan added that grounds raised during the hearing differed from those stated in the initial application, leaving Isham uncertain about mounting a proper defense. He argued that the courts should withstand criticism and not overreact in the era of social media, where individuals have the freedom to express their opinions.
He questioned why Isham could not express views similar to those raised by Datuk Seri Najib Razak's lawyers during court proceedings. The AGC filed the application on December 28, 2023, based on Isham's remarks in an interview titled "Townhall For Justice: Keadilan Sebenarnya Untuk Siapa? (Who is Justice Really For?)" posted on The Malaya Post's Facebook page on September 30, 2023.
The interview featured criticism of the former Prime Minister Najib Razak's corruption trial and appeal related to 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd. The interview was part of the context presented during the contempt proceedings.
Further developments in the case are expected on July 1, 2025. The AGC has previously called for Isham to face severe punishment, including a possible jail sentence and fine, for his comments. Isham has offered an apology to the judiciary aiming to end the contempt proceedings against him.
- The international news is abuzz with the upcoming decision on July 1, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, regarding Isham Jalil, a former Umno information chief, and the charges of contempt of court.
- The alleged contempt stems from Isham's remarks, made in an interview in September 2023, that have been perceived to undermine public faith in the Malaysian justice system, specifically in relation to the 1MDB and SRC International criminal cases.
- Isham's lawyer, Tan Sri Azizan Harun, has argued that his client's statements were not intended to bring the court into disrepute and that the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) have failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Isham's actions constituted contempt.
- The AGC, in response, has called for severe punishment for Isham, including a potential jail sentence and fine, due to his comments that have reportedly tarnished the reputation of the judiciary by questioning its actions and decisions.
- Amidst the political implications and the ongoing debates about policy-and-legislation and the role of the judiciary in general-news, Isham has offered an apology to the judiciary, hoping to resolve the contempt proceedings against him when the court delivers its verdict on July 1, 2025.
