MARCH 24 BAIL RULING FOR GISB CEO, WIFE AND 20 OTHERS

KAJANG, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Shah Alam High Court has set March 24 to rule on the bail application of GISB Holdings CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, his wife, and 20 others charged with involvement in an organised crime group, after submissions from both parties. 

“The proceedings on March 24 will be held at Kajang Prison,” Judge Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar announced during today's hearing at the Kajang Prison Complex.

Earlier, Nasiruddin’s lawyer, Datuk Rosli Kamaruddin, submitted that his client, who has four wives and 26 children, suffers from severe diabetes and heart disease.

He further noted that Nasiruddin has no prior criminal record and has not been charged under the Societies Act, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or any faith-related offences.

"As CEO of GISBH, my client is actively involved in business operations locally and internationally, including food services in over 20 countries," he said, adding that Nasiruddin is not a flight risk, has a fixed address, and will not interfere with prosecution witnesses.

Meanwhile, the other defence counsels adopted Rosli’s arguments in support of their clients’ bail applications as well.

Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Shafiq Hasim contended that Section 13(2) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012 grants the court discretion to consider bail applications, provided the accused falls within the specified categories of individuals under 18, women, or those who are ill or infirm.

"The applicants seek bail on grounds of illness or infirmity. However, upon reviewing the supporting affidavits, the prosecution found that they had not submitted any medical reports or documents to substantiate their claims.

"They merely assert that they are unwell and therefore eligible for bail. Their ailments are common conditions that others may also suffer from.

“The court must distinguish which illnesses warrant bail to avoid setting a precedent that undermines its credibility," he submitted.

Additionally, DPP Mariam Jamielah Ab Manaff said that according to a medical report dated Feb 28, all applicants were in stable condition, emphasising that the court should rely on the latest medical reports rather than the applicants' claims.

"The prison’s medical team is adequate, with complete facilities and necessary medications available. Additionally, the applicants can seek treatment at Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Buloh at any time," she said.

On Oct 23, 2024, Nasiruddin, 66, his wife Azura Md Yusof, 58, and 20 others were charged in the Selayang Sessions Court with being members of an organised crime group at a premises in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, between October 2020 and September 11, 2024.

Among those charged alongside them was Mohammad Adib At-Tamimi, 33, the son of former Al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad.

The other accused are Mohd Shukri Mohd Noor, 54; Muhammad Afdaluddin Latif, 35; Mohamad Sayuti Omar, 36; Mohd Fazil Md Jasin, 58; Mohd Dhirar Fakhrur Razi, 35; Mokhtar Tajuddin, 61; Muhammad Fajrul Islam Khalid, 29; Abu Ubaidah Ahmad Shukri, 35; Shuhaimi Mohamed, 57; Hasnan Abd Hamid, 54; and Muhammad Zahid Azhar @ Nadzri, 52.

Also charged were Khalilatul-Zalifah Mohammad Jamil, 28; Nur Jannah Omar; Hamimah Yakub, 73; Asmat @ Asmanira Muhammad Ramly, 45; Nurul Jannah Idris; Siti Salmiah Ismail; Siti Hajar Ismail, 29; and Mahani Kasim, 55.

They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of between five and 20 years upon conviction. The case was later transferred to the Shah Alam High Court for trial.

On Jan 13, the Shah Alam High Court granted Hamimah bail for RM40,000 with two sureties, subject to a prohibition on contacting prosecution witnesses, surrendering her passport to the court, and reporting to the Kajang District Police headquarters every two weeks until the trial concludes.

-- BERNAMA