TAWAU: Former Esscom Chief of Intelligence Staff, Datuk Mat Zaki Md Zain said it was because of Allah’s will that they have been cleared of false charges and slander in social media due to the case.
Mat Zaki said he had been in custody since January 25, 2023 handcuffed, chained and even left under the sun with other prisoners.
“Thank you to all the families and lawyers who represented us,” he said. Zaki led a thanksgiving prayer in the court grounds along with the seven other accused soon after their release.
His wife, Datin Kasmimi Hasan, 55, said it was a day that justice was served.
“I don’t know how to say how our lives have been,” she said and also thanked Esscom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos for looking into their welfare, among others.
Another accused, Dennis Enit, described the decision as a dignified release after a year in custody.
His wife, Christy Pepito, 42, said her life with three children was very difficult without her husband “who was facing charges that he did not commit”.
“The support of my family and friends is what makes me strong...I know my husband is innocent,” she said.
She attended the hearing with her two children every time the case was heard. Rosdi Rastam, the first accused, thanked everyone for their support.
