Federal Court Reverses Acquittal, Orders Sentence to Begin
Malaysia’s top judicial body on February 10 restored a corruption conviction and six-year prison term against former head of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad, after overturning a lower court’s acquittal. The ruling by the Federal Court means Mohamad Isa must start serving his sentence immediately.
The Federal Court decision reinstates a 2021 judgment that found Mohamad Isa guilty on nine counts of bribery linked to roughly RM3 million in improper gains connected to a luxury hotel purchase during his tenure as Felda chairman from 2011–2017.
Legal Reversal After 2024 Acquittal
The case dates back to 2021 when a Kuala Lumpur High Court convicted Mohamad Isa and handed down a six-year term alongside substantial fines. However, in March 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned that verdict, acquitting him of all corruption charges. Prosecutors subsequently appealed that acquittal to the Federal Court.
A three-judge bench at the Federal Court found that the earlier conviction and sentence were lawful and appropriate, thereby allowing the prosecution’s appeal and reinstating the punishment.
“We need to reiterate that corruption is a heinous act that would destroy a nation,” one of the judges stated in delivering the judgement.
Mohamad Isa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team has not immediately responded to requests for comment following the renewed ruling.
Background: Felda, Politics and Financial Fallout
Felda, the state-run palm-oil land development body, has been mired in allegations of corruption and mismanagement for years, contributing to financial strain and mounting losses. Mohamad Isa was removed as Felda chairman in 2017 amid controversies involving questionable transactions at both Felda and its then-listed subsidiary FGV Holdings, one of the world’s largest palm-oil operators.
In recent years, Felda took FGV private as part of planned restructuring efforts following persistent operational and governance challenges.
