KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Malaysian Checkpoints and Borders Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain will remain at his post and carry out his duties as normal unless directed otherwise by the government, his legal team confirmed today.
Speaking to reporters outside the Sepang Sessions and Magistrates’ Court Complex, lawyer Datuk Rosal Azimin Ahmad said no official instructions or interdictions have been issued by administrative authorities barring his client from continuing as a senior civil servant.
Rosal clarified that any formal determination regarding Shuhaily’s service status rests entirely in the hands of the Public Service Department and central government leadership, Berita Harian reported.
“So far, in the absence of any directive, he will continue performing his duties as usual,” he said during a press conference following the morning court proceedings.
Touching on the bail hearing, Rosal revealed that the magistrate set bail at RM1,500 for each charge with one surety, amounting to a combined RM3,000.
The court fixed Nov 25 for next case mention. Rosal noted that the defence is awaiting the complete bundle of prosecution documents under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code before deciding whether to submit formal representations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Commenting on Shuhaily’s disposition, the lawyer said the 54-year-old enforcement chief remains calm and prepared to see the legal process through to its conclusion.
“He accepts what has happened and does not blame anyone,” he said.
Earlier in the morning, Shuhaily claimed trial to two counts under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to Lance Corporal Mohammad Faiz Muhamad Saman, 40, and Lance Corporal Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan Driman. If convicted, the minor assault charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both.
The prosecution stems from a confrontation on Sept 28 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, which drew intense public scrutiny after video footage went viral showing a senior official matching Shuhaily’s likeness rebuking two Special Branch travel control officers, with one of them appearing to be pulled by the ear.