Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan ruled that Musa had failed to prove that the treatment sought was not readily available in Malaysia.

“There is no suggestion by the accused that he can only be treated in Singapore or the UK.

“To my mind, the accused is merely seeking to be treated by doctors of his choice,” he said.

The judge said while it was an undisputed fact that Musa was suffering from coronary ailments, the pertinent issue was whether to allow him to receive treatment and undergo further tests abroad.

On Jan 7, Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob allowed Musa’s application for the release of his passport from Jan 15 to Feb 10, on condition that his travel be confined to Singapore and London.

She also ordered Musa to return his passport by Feb 11 and said the surety was required to be responsible for the accused and know of his whereabouts during that period.

The prosecution however filed a revision to reverse Rozina’s order on a fast track basis.

Deputy public prosecutor Salim Shoib said Musa’s basis for seeking overseas treatment was not extraordinary, but weak, and did not reflect urgency.

Salim also submitted that Musa was a potential flight risk, which was why his passport was surrendered to the court when he was slapped with a slew of corruption charges last year.

He said a citizen’s freedom to travel overseas could also be curtailed.

Musa’s lawyer, Amer Hamzah Arshad, said he needed to ask Musa if he should file an appeal.

On Nov 5 last year, Musa claimed trial to 35 counts of corruption involving US$63.3 million (RM263 million), in connection with timber concession contracts in Sabah.

He was allowed bail of RM2 million in two sureties.