KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 ― The Sessions Court today sentenced Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli to 30 months in jail for leaking banking details relating to the the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).

The Pandan MP and former Public Bank clerk Johari Mohamad were both found guilty by the Sessions Court today of breaching the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (Bafia) in relation to the leak in banking details of the National Feedlot Corporation's accounts.

Sessions Court judge Zamri Bakar said that the “prosecution has succeeded in proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.”

He, however, granted a stay of execution for both the accused and set bail at RM15,000 each.

The PKR vice-president, 40, was represented by Ahmad Nizam Hamid while Latheefa Koya appeared for Johari.

Rafizi’s defence counsel Ahmad Nizam Hamid said they will make the stay application today, the soonest possible.

“We will apply for a stay possibly this afternoon, if not this evening but regardless, it will be made today,” he told reporters at the Shah Alam Sessions Court here today.

Deputy public prosecutors Lailawati Ali and Steve Chin appeared for the prosecution.

Lailawati Ali initially asked that the Court impose a higher fine of RM500,00 and six months’ jail time, quoting the severity of the offence.

“If we let this slide and do not impose a heavy penalty, I am afraid the public will get the wrong message that the offence of disclosing personal information is not that serious.

“The heavier sentences are also meant to prevent such offences from taking place again ― regardless of the circumstance or reason,” she said, adding that Johari as an accomplice should also face similar penalties.

Rafizi, when met outside the Court, said he was relieved that the Judge did not impose any fine at all as it would mean he has to stay in prison while trying to accumulate the money.

He added the stay granted also brought relief as it would mean he would still be able to campaign for his party for the upcoming 14th General Elections.

“Although I cannot contest in the GE, I am now campaigning at 10 parliamentary constituencies every week so if I have to stay in jail for a month while trying to collect the money, I would lose out on campaigning at 40 constituencies,” he said.

In 2012, Rafizi and Johari were charged under Section 97 of Bafia for the disclosure of four accounts linked to NFC and its chairman Mohd Salleh Ismail, who is the husband of Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Although the Act was repealed in 2013, Rafizi’s charges still stand.