CASE OF THE WEEK

SAMUNDEE DEVAN MUTHU KERISHNAN v. PP
FEDERAL COURT, PUTRAJAYA
ZAKI TUN AZMI CJ, HASHIM YUSOFF FCJ, MOHD GHAZALI YUSOFF FCJ
[CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: 05-82-08(B)]
17 JUNE 2009

CRIMINAL LAW: Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 - Section 39B(1)(a) - Trafficking in heroin and monoacetylmorphines - Mens rea trafficking - Presumption under s. 37(da)(iiia) - Whether reliance upon presumption correct - Conduct of accused - Mens rea possession - Reasonable doubt - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, s. 37(d), (da)

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Trial - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 - Drug trafficking - Prima facie case - Whether established at close of prosecution's case - Mens rea trafficking - Whether reliance upon presumption under s. 37(da)(iiia) correct - Conduct of accused - Mens rea possession - Reasonable doubt - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, s. 37(d), (da)

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Mens rea - Trafficking in dangerous drugs - Whether proven - Whether reliance upon presumption under s. 37(da)(iiia) Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 correct - Conduct of accused - Mens rea possession - Reasonable doubt - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, s. 37(d), (da)

EVIDENCE: Circumstantial evidence - Inferences from facts - Drug trafficking - Conduct of accused, admissibility of - Whether combined strength of facts and circumstances gave rise to strong inference that accused had mens rea possession of drugs - Evidence Act 1950, s. 8 - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, s. 37(d)

EVIDENCE: Presumption - Drug trafficking - Whether prima facie case established at close of prosecution's case - Mens rea trafficking - Whether reliance upon presumption under s. 37(da)(iiia) Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 correct - Mens rea possession - Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, s. 37(d), (da)

LEGISLATION HIGLIGHTS

New Labuan Financial Laws Passed

With the enactment of the new laws, Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority  (LOFSA) will be referred to as Labuan Financial Services Authority ("Labuan FSA"). The changes cover all financial activities in Labuan IBFC – from banking, insurance, leasing and company incorporation to the creation of Islamic financial products and services. The new Laws also allow for the creation of Labuan foundations, limited liability partnerships, protected cell companies (insurance and mutual funds), shipping operations, Labuan special trusts and financial planning activities.

The full text of these laws are now available in our database. To view these laws, please login.