Kuala Lampur:Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister, has received approval from the Sessions Court for the temporary release of his international passport. This release will enable him to attend several international events this month, following the surrender of his passport as a condition of bail related to corruption charges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Iskandar had requested the permanent return of his passport to facilitate overseas travel for his duties, citing an affidavit. He plans to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, for the Frankfurt Book Fair organized by Rex Education from October 7 to November 11. His involvement with the Madani Community Leadership Academy aims to promote literacy, leadership, and knowledge, aligning with the principles of the academy.

Additionally, Shamsul Iskandar intends to attend the fifth AlBaraka Summit in London on October 13 and 14, which will focus on ethics in Islamic financial and non-financial sectors. Further travel plans include visits to Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in November and December.

During court proceedings, his lawyer, Yusmadi Yusoff, submitted an application on September 30 for the passport's permanent return. Although Deputy Public Prosecutor Julaila Jamaludin objected to this request, citing the potential for online discussions as an alternative, she did not oppose the temporary release. Judge Suzana Hussin granted the temporary release of the passport, requiring its return by October 16. The prosecution was also instructed to submit an affidavit regarding the permanent return request by October 19, with a decision expected on December 8.

Shamsul Iskandar faces charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, including accepting cash and other benefits to assist in obtaining a mineral exploration license in Sabah. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.