PETALING JAYA: The 29 corruption charges against former Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) board member Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashid were withdrawn following new evidence that he had repaid the sum, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

       It said that Noor Ehsanuddin had submitted his representation and statement of defence under Section 62 of the MACC Act 2009 during the trial.

       “Based on new findings through new evidence presented, the accused managed to prove that he had repaid the money alleged to be bribery before the investigation began.

       “The key witness also confirmed the matter as a loan,” MACC said in a statement yesterday.

       MACC also said that due to inconsistency in the testimony of the key witness, it had referred the case to the Attorney General’s Chambers and decided not to continue with the trial.

       “The decision was made because the testimony of the key witness was inconsistent.

       “The prosecution had informed the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court of the withdrawal of all 29 charges during the trial proceedings of the case before judge Suzana Hussin on May 21,” MACC added.

       Previously, Noor Ehsanuddin, 58, faced 14 charges of accepting a bribe of RM23,540.68 in instalments for a BMW 3 Series car from a printing company, Karya Hidayah Sdn Bhd, in 2014 and 2015.In the Johor Baru court, he faced 10 charges including receiving a bribe of RM50,000 and a piece of land from the same company in 2013 and 2014.

       He was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with five counts of accepting the maintenance of two vehicles and the legal fee payment of RM12,707.60 for the purchase of a piece of land.Noor Ehsanuddin was a one-term Umno MP (2013 - 2018) for Kota Tinggi, Johor.