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SHAH ALAM – Former Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim chose to remain in a police lock-up uniform and handcuffs when he appeared in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today, despite being advised to change into normal clothes and remove the restraints.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said its officers, the police personnel escorting Abdul Azeez and his lawyers had advised him to change his clothes and that there was no need for him to remain handcuffed.
“However, he insisted on remaining in the lock-up uniform and handcuffs until the charge proceedings were completed.
"Therefore, MACC would like to stress that the wearing of the lock-up uniform and handcuffs was not at the instruction or request of any party, particularly MACC,” MACC said in a statement today.
The commission urged all parties not to speculate or spread inaccurate information regarding the matter.
Abdul Azeez was brought to court today to face charges linked to an investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure as Tabung Haji chairman.
He was charged with allegedly abusing his position to secure a role in a company and obtain benefits, as well as allegedly influencing members of the Tabung Haji board to approve a RM193.5 million investment in the company.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail of RM450,000.
The charges followed investigations stemming from the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Tabung Haji’s management and operations between 2014 and 2020.
The RCI report, which was made public on July 29, recommended further scrutiny of several investments and called for a forensic audit of past investment decisions.
Abdul Azeez, who served as Tabung Haji chairman from 2013 to 2018, was also recently remanded to assist MACC investigations related to the RCI findings.
Separately, he was remanded for two days from today to assist a police investigation into an alleged cheating case involving Tabung Haji hibah payments.
The remand was granted by the Magistrate’s Court following a police application under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
