Kuala lumpur: The appeal hearing of former Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) finance division secretary Otman Arsahd, who is challenging his 15-year jail sentence and RM284.2 million fine, has been postponed to September 21.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin granted a request by the defense to vacate the initially scheduled hearing dates of June 22, 23, and 25. The court has now set new dates for the appeal hearing on September 21, 22, and 23, and has directed the appellant to submit written submissions by August 28.

The judge emphasized that no further postponements should be requested, highlighting that the conviction was delivered in July 2023 and the appeal has already been pending for a significant duration. Otman's lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, stated that the defense only acquired the exhibits, 4,000 pages of trial notes, and the grounds of judgment on June 4.

In July 2023, the Sessions Court found Otman guilty of abuse of power, submitting false claims, and money laundering offenses. Consequently, Otman was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined RM284.2 million. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of 119 assets to the government.