Khir Toyo ordered to enter defence on corruption charge

The High Court here today ordered former Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamad Khir Toyo to enter his defence on the charge
of corruption pertaining to the ownership of two lots of land including a bungalow at Section 7, four years ago.

Judge Wira Mohtaruddin Baki made the decision after being satisfied that the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case against the accused.

Khir Toyo is alleged to have obtained for himself and his wife, Zahrah Kechik, a valuable property, namely two lots of land and a house at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L, here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd (Ditamas) through its director, Shamsuddin.

The property, located at Section 7, was purchased at a price of RM3.5 million, although the purchase price by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 was RM6.5 million.

The transaction was alleged to have been made when Khir Toyo knew that Shamsuddin had ties with his official duty as the Selangor Menteri Besar then.

Khir Toyo, who is also the State Assemblyman for Sungai Panjang, is alleged to have committed the offence at the official residence of the Selangor Menteri Besar at Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 7, here on May 29, 2007.

At the proceedings today, the prosecution was led by Abdul Wahab Mohamad while the defence was led by M.Athimulan. Twenty-five prosecution witnesses had been called up to give evidence at the trial.

Mohtaruddin later fixed Sept 26 to 30 for the defence who was expected to present nine witnesses.

– Bernama