FORMER Felda chairman Mohd Isa Samad was taken to prison today after the Federal Court reinstated his conviction for corruption, overturning the Court of Appeal’s previous acquittal.

The ruling restores the six-year prison sentence and RM15.45 million fine handed down by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in 2021, marking a decisive moment in Malaysia’s long-running efforts to hold senior political figures accountable.

The Federal Court, in a unanimous judgment chaired by Justice Nordin Hassan, found that the Court of Appeal had failed to adequately assess key facts in Isa’s case, warranting intervention by the nation’s highest judicial body.

“The decision of the High Court in convicting the respondent on all nine charges is restored. We find the sentence is appropriate and in accordance with the law.

“We only need to reiterate that corruption is a heinous act that would destroy a nation,” Justice Nordin said. Following the ruling, a committal order was issued, and Isa was immediately taken into custody.

The charges, originally filed on December 14, 2018, related to Isa’s approval of a proposal for Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FICSB) to purchase a hotel in Kuching, Sarawak.

He faced one count of criminal breach of trust and nine counts of receiving gratification involving more than RM3 million.

The offences occurred between July 21, 2014, and December 11, 2015, at Menara Felda, Persiaran KLCC, and fell under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Isa, 76, the former menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan had previously been acquitted by the Court of Appeal on March 6, 2024, after appealing his High Court conviction, sparking controversy and public debate over political accountability.

Analysts noted that the Federal Court’s decision today reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to enforcing anti-corruption laws regardless of political stature.

“This sends a clear message: no one, regardless of status or influence, is above the law,” legal observers said, highlighting the significance of the ruling for public trust and governance.

“Isa’s conviction is part of a broader trend of high-profile legal actions targeting senior officials, underlining the Malaysian government’s efforts to enhance transparency and curb the misuse of public office.

Isa Samad’s immediate imprisonment comes amid wider calls from civil society and anti-corruption advocates for stricter enforcement against graft.

The RM3.09 million at the centre of the case was determined by investigators to have been unlawfully diverted from public projects and contracts during Isa’s tenure.

Formerly a federal minister, Isa Samad has long been a prominent figure in Malaysian politics, holding influential roles within Umno.

His conviction reinforces the judiciary’s stance that corruption at any level poses a serious threat to national institutions and governance.