Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, aged 76, filed a civil lawsuit on August 19 against former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, former MACC Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and the federal government for malicious prosecution, malicious investigation, and wrongful arrest [1, 2, 3].
Shahrir was charged in January 2020 with failing to declare RM1 million he received from former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the Inland Revenue Board [1, 2, 3]. More than 20 witnesses were called during the trial, but the prosecution withdrew the charges in January 2023, and the High Court granted Shahrir a full acquittal [1, 2, 3].
MACC investigating officer Nurzahidah Yacop testified that she was instructed to charge Shahrir in January 2020 with Tommy Thomas' approval, despite the investigation not being complete and unclear whether the RM1 million was income or a reimbursement [1, 2, 3]. Shahrir testified the RM1 million was a reimbursement from Najib related to restoration expenses for Puri Langkasuka, discussed during a 2013 meeting he arranged with Najib [2, 3].
Shahrir emphasized that his lawsuit is not an act of revenge but aims to ensure that enforcement powers to investigate, seize, arrest, and prosecute are exercised only after thorough and proper investigations. He said, "I am not taking this action out of revenge. I am doing so because the powers to investigate, seize, arrest and prosecute are immense. Such powers must only be exercised after fundamental matters have been properly investigated" [1, 3]. He also highlighted that the central issue was whether the RM1 million was income or reimbursement, which remained unresolved when he was charged [2].
The lawsuit presents a rare civil challenge against high-ranking officials and statutory bodies following a high-profile prosecution that lasted nearly three years. The next step in the case will be determined by further court proceedings following today's testimonies [1, 2, 3].
