Judge Nasir Nordin acquitted and discharged the 50-year-old former PAS MP without calling for his defence after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against him.
He was accused of making 13 false claims totalling RM31,050 in his official capacity as an MP from Nov 11, 2002 to July 27, 2003.
He allegedly committed the offence under Section 11(c) of the Anti-Corruption
Act 1997 at the Finance Division of the Parliament office.
In his ruling, Nasir said the prosecution failed to prove the accused’s intention and knowledge of the offence.
Nasir futher said the allegations against Apandi were “hazy and unclear” and pointed out that the witnesses provided contradictory and inconsistent testimony.
A total of 37 witnesses took the stand.
Deputy public prosecutor Hizwan Azleena Othman appeared for the prosecution while Apandi was represented by Datuk Sukri Mohamed.
Apandi hugged his family and friends outside the courtroom and told reporters he was grateful for the court’s decision.
Source:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/12/courts/8048945&sec=courts