The early closure of a bail counter at a Kuala Lumpur courthouse has been criticised by former deputy law minister Hanipa Maidin, who said such actions were illegal.
Hanipa also said it was “totally unacceptable” for the counter to close earlier.
“In my view, it is absolutely illegal to deny the six men from posting a bail when the court has already granted bail to them,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, it was reported that six men would be spending the long weekend in prison, as the counter that processes bail had closed earlier than usual.
They were among the 10 who claimed trial for criminal conspiracy with the intention to cheat.
Their lawyer, Alvin Tan, claimed that the bail counter had closed at 2.53pm, shortly after the magistrate had granted bail of RM4,000 each. A notice at the counter states the operating hours at being up to 4.30pm.
Hanipa said denying the men from posting bail went against the Federal Constitution, which protects the right to liberty and life.
He said this could open up the government to civil suits, including the tort of misfeasance in public office.
Tan, who labelled the incident a “bureaucratic failure” also said the families of the six had appealed to the bail counter staff to remain open, as the two of the accused were reportedly ill.
Source : Free Malaysia Today