Allegedly abetted over RM15 million in a Risda land deal six years ago.
Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister, Datuk Peter Anthony appeared in court for the second time today for allegedly abetting over RM15 million in a Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) land deal six years ago.
The Parti Warisan Sabah vice-president claimed trial to the charge under Section 109 of the Penal Code, which was read before Sessions Court judge Abu Bakar Manat.
Anthony is alleged to have committed the offence between July 22, 2014, and Nov 19, 2015, at the Beverly Hills Plaza, Jalan Bundusan, Penampang, by abetting lawyer Michael Percius Ubu, who acted as a Risda agent and entrusted with authority over money amounting to RM15,545,400 to commit CBT by banking in the money into Messrs Michael Ubu & Co’s Ambank account.
The money was said to be 10 percent of the sale price of oil palm land measuring 6,768.688 acres in Tongod.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Fadhly Mohd Zamry said he would be applying for this case to be tried together with the five money-laundering charges levelled at Anthony earlier amounting to RM8.75 million during re-mention.
On June 11, Anthony was slapped with the five charges. Three of the offences were under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Two others were under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 and Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, respectively.
“I will also apply for Michael Ubu’s case to be a joint trial on Aug 4, ” said Mohamad Fadhly.
Ubu was charged with two counts of money laundering amounting to more than RM3.9 million as well as criminal breach of trust (CBT).
Ubu was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001; Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001; and Section 409 of the Penal Code.
The court fixed Aug 4 for mention.
Over 100 supporters gathered at the court complex amid tight police security.
Anthony, an NGO leader turned politician, was remanded twice for corruption charges in January 2018 ahead of the May 9 general election.
He was represented today by Dominic Chew.
Chew applied for Anthony’s attendance to be dispensed with on Aug 4 as it was only a submission of documents.
Mohamad Fadhly, however, argued that Peter must be present on Aug 4 as there were documents that required the signatures of both the accused and his lawyers.
The judge ordered that Anthony be present and said the court would decide on the subsequent mention dates later on.