Former Perwaja MD, Eric Chia Acquitted

The Sessions Court in Kuala Kumpur today acquitted the former managing director of Perwaja Rolling Mill and Development, Tan Sri Eric Chia Eng Hock of a charge of committing criminal breach of trust and that he had dishonestly misappropriated the funds of Perwaja Rolling Mill and Development. The offence was said to have taken place thirteen years ago and involved a sum of RM76.4 million.

He was alleged to have dishonestly authorised a payment for the sum to the account of Frilsham Enterprise Incorporated with the American Express Bank Limited, Hong Kong, for technical assistance provided by NKK Corporation Japan for the “Beam and Section Mill Plant project” in Gurun, Kedah, when in fact no such payment was due to NKK Corporation.

The Session's Court judge Akhtar Tahir in his verdict said that the prosecution's documents 'worked against' them. He also pointed out the failure of the prosecution to call some witnesses to strengthen their case against Eric Chia.

He was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of between two and 20 years and whipping, and the liability of a fine upon conviction.

The prosecution, led by Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Yusof Zainal Abiden, closed its case on May 4 after calling 29 witnesses.

The defendant was represented by lead counsel Datuk Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.
Image - Source

You can read the full report HERE.