Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin allowed the application after hearing arguments from Muhammad Shafee, 66, who represented himself and deputy public prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz.
Earlier in his argument, Muhammad Shafee applied for his passport to be temporarily returned to him to enable him travel to Perth from Dec 21 and 24 on work matters as a lawyer. Nonetheless on my appeal, it was reversed by the Court of Appeal who decided there was no element of abscond,” he said. On Sept 13, Muhammad Shafee pleaded not guilty to receiving RM9.5 million from illegal proceeds through cheques issued by former prime minister Najib Tun Razak into his CIMB Bank Berhad account.
The allegation under Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 carries a fine not exceeding RM5 million or jail up to five years or both if found guilty.