KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today allowed 11 witnesses in the trial of former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) director-general Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid's criminal breach of trust (CBT) proceedings to testify 'in-camera'.
Judicial commissioner Datuk Ahmad Shahril Mohd Salleh allowed the prosecution's application after hearing submissions from both parties yesterday.
"I believe the defence will not be prejudiced by this ruling.
"I allow the application for 11 witnesses to be heard in camera," he said.
In-camera proceedings are trials where the public and press are not allowed to observe the procedure or process.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Iskandar Ahmad on Sept 21 said the prosecution decided to apply for 'in-camera proceedings' for 11 of its 37 witnesses in the trial due to national security issues.
However, Hasanah's lead counsel, Hamdan Hamzah, objected to the application, stating that it would be prejudicial to his client as there is no evidence to support that the testimonies would threaten national security.
On Oct 25 last year, Hasanah – who was the director-general of the Research Division of the Prime Minister's Department – is alleged to have committed CBT by misappropriating US$12.1 million (RM50.4 million) in funds belonging to the government.
Hasanah is alleged to have done so between April 30 and May 9 at her office in the Prime Minister's Department Complex in Putrajaya.
The charge, under Section 409 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping and fine, upon conviction.
She was released on RM500,000 bail.