Ku Chin Wah acquitted of graft charge

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Ku Chin Wah was discharged and acquitted by the Sessions court today on a charge of failing to declare his sources of earnings of almost RM1 million, about four years ago.
In her judgement, Sessions judge Sohaini Alias said the prosecution failed to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt while the defence had raised doubt as to the prosecution's case.
"The accused had declared all his earnings as required by law to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)," the judge said.
Sohaini also ordered Ku's bail of RM30,000 to be returned to him.
Upon hearing the verdict, Ku uttered "Thank you, thank you so much," to his friends, family and colleagues in the public gallery who cheered and clapped.
Ku, 59, was charged with failing to comply with a notice under Section 49(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act dated Dec 23, 2013 when he failed to declare the source of earnings in a sworn statement dated Jan 8, 2014.
He allegedly committed the offence at the MACC headquarters, Block D6, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya, between Dec 23, 2013 and Jan 21, 2014.
The charge, under Section 49(3 ) of the same law, carries a fine of up to RM1 million, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, if found guilty.
Counsel Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent represented Ku, while deputy public prosecutor Budiman Lufti Mohamed appeared for the prosecution.