SEREMBAN: Two men, including a former national footballer, were freed by the High Court here over charges of fixing a Malaysia Premier League match more than five years ago.
Judge Datin Rohani Ismail allowed an appeal from Khairul Anuar Baharum (pic), 48, and G. Prem Kumar, 54, and set aside a decision by the Sessions Court in August 2020 which found them guilty of offering RM10,000 each to MISC-Mifa goalkeepers S. Harivarman and Khairul Izzuwan Shaari.
The offer to the two goalkeepers was an inducement to ensure their team would lose 0-2 to Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak.
“After perusing the evidence before the court, I allow the appeals of the first and second accused.
“The decision of the Sessions Court is hereby set aside,” she said.
The Sessions Court had sentenced the duo to serve three years in jail and a fine of RM50,000 each.
They had claimed trial when charged in April 2017.
Both accused allegedly committed the offence between 9pm and 10pm at the Senawang Light Industrial Area on March 27, 2017.
They were charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act.
The court also ordered the RM100,000 fine and bail money paid by the duo be returned to them.
Khairul Anuar was represented by Ridha Abdah Subri while Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent and Carmen Eu Kah Mun appeared for Prem.
Mohamad Azriff Firdaus Mohamad Ali represented the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
When met outside the court, both men expressed relief that the case was finally over.
Khairul Anuar, who recently played for Selangor FA as a defender and midfielder, said the past six years had been a difficult time as he could not meet anyone with the charge hanging over his head.
“It was also embarrassing at times but I am grateful to God for finally being acquitted,” said Khairul Anuar.