Judge Script
Judge Script
Judge Script
(2) In answering the second issue, the Prosecution raised the grounds of
S417(1)(a), S417(1)(b) and S417(1)(e) which if either one is fulfilled, it allow
the High Court to make order that any criminal case be transferred to and
tried before it by virtue of s.417 (1)(cc). After considering the facts presented
before me and all the surrounding circumstances, it appears to me both the
grounds under S417(1)(a)and S417(1)(b) are not successfully invoked to allow
me to make order to transfer the present case from Sessions Court of
Seremban to High Court of Seremban.
(3) The expression "expedient for the ends of justice" provided under the
ground established under Section 417(1)(e) is very wide. I am of the view
that the case is indeed very technical and complex since it is an offence of
Criminal Breach of Trust charged under Section 406 of Penal Code where it
involve a sum of RM 5 million which is a huge amount belonging to a political
organization. There may be questions of facts of unusual difficulty to arise
which may involve complicated political issues. On the face of the charge
against the respondent, it also appears to me there is a necessity to call for
large amount of cross-examination of different witnesses which includes a
very high ranking official of the country who would be summoned to produce
evidence before the court. It is true that Sessions Court may have jurisdiction
to hear and try this matter, however, I am of the view that High Court would
be a more appropriate forum to hear and try the present case as it appears
to me such transfer of case is expedient for the ends of justice.