The trial had heard that Shafee had received the money from former prime minister Najib Razak.

The notice of appeal was filed in the High Court here. The process requires the court registry to compile the appeal records which will be sent to the Court of Appeal.

When contacted, deputy public prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz confirmed that the notice of appeal was filed this afternoon.

Last Friday, justice Jamil Hussin found that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Shafee.

In a brief oral judgment, Jamil ruled that the prosecution had failed to show that the accused had committed a predicate offence by receiving the proceeds of two cheques for RM4.3 million and RM5.2 million, respectively.

“Instead, the testimony (of MACC investigating officer Fariq Jabar) showed that there was no illicit activity which took place when the recipient received both cheques, and that the money was not from (any) illicit activity,” he added.

The judge is required to deliver written grounds of the judgment detailing his findings before the appeal is heard by the appellate court.

On Sept 13, 2018, Shafee pleaded not guilty to receiving proceeds from unlawful activities via cheques issued by the former prime minister, which were remitted into two CIMB Bank Bhd accounts held by him.

He was alleged to have received a cheque for RM4.3 million on Sept 13, 2013, and another for RM5.2 million on Feb 17, 2014.

The money was received through two AmIslamic Bank Bhd accounts belonging to Najib.

Shafee was also charged with submitting incorrect tax returns for financial years ending Dec 31, 2013, and Dec 31, 2014.

He was alleged to have omitted declaring income of RM4.3 million received on Sept 13, 2013, and RM5.2 million received on Feb 17, 2014 in his tax returns.

He was alleged to have committed the offences at LHDN’s Jalan Duta branch at Kompleks Pejabat Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim here on March 3, 2015 and June 29, 2015.