Ex Minister acquitted of corruption charges

Kasitah Freed Of Corruption And Cheating Charges

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Former land and cooperative development minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam was acquitted and discharged by the High Court here today of committing corrupt practice and cheating involving shares belonging to the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) in 1996.

Justice Suraya Othman ruled that the prosecution had failed to make out a prima facie case on both charges for the court to call Kasitah to enter his defence.

"On maximum evaluation of the evidence forwarded during the prosecution case, essential ingredients of both offences were not made out on the facts before the court.

"In the circumstances, the accused stands acquitted and discharged of both the charges against him," Suraya said in her 73-page judgment.

An elated Kasitah, 62, told reporters that he was very relieved and happy with the verdict and would be rushing to visit his mother in Ranau before going for the umrah with his family and friends.

"I'm very thankful to God and I did not expect to be freed today after going through this ordeal since 2004," he said before being hugged his family members and wife Rosni Ambuting. - Bernama.