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KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan has denied he left Malaysia and was trying to escape being questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
In a statement from his lawyer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s son-in-law objected to the comment by MACC made on Monday portraying him as a fugitive who absconded from the country.
“Adlan will return to Malaysia so long as he is not persecuted.
“Our client categorically states that he is innocent and is entitled to not be tried in the court of public opinion by any enforcement agencies. He, like any other free citizen of Malaysia, has the right of movement and travel, including overseas, and more so to conduct his business in any part of the world,” said Baljit.
Baljit said Adlan was ready and willing to assist any investigation and has full faith in the judicial process.
“At the same time, he will jealously protect his rights and liberty from being taken away not in accordance with the law.
“Our client states that he will certainly return to Malaysia as soon as possible to answer all questions and to assist MACC with any investigation so long as the elements of threats and persecution are eliminated,” he added.
Baljit also stressed that his client was never arrested and never called by MACC for a meeting or to assist in any investigation before he left Malaysia.
Adlan is married to Datin Sri Nabilah Mahiaddin, Muhyiddin’s second child.
Baljit said Adlan was only contacted by an officer from MACC and had responded in writing in the form of a letter dated June 3, 2023.
“In that letter, our client stated that he is travelling overseas for business and will return once these affairs are attended to. He gave a tentative date of return and impressed upon MACC that there is witch-hunting and finger-pointing being orchestrated against him to his utter detriment.
“To date, our client has not received a formal reply from MACC,” he said.
He said their client had also in the same letter highlighted abnormalities with respect to MACC’s actions in the so-called investigation, which include his being portrayed as a fugitive through media releases and his name placed under Interpol’s red notice.
“Our client has also learnt that a travel ban has been imposed on him as his passport has been classified as such by the Immigration Department.
“Our client vehemently denies any suggestion that he is not contactable and stresses that he is in communication with the investigating officer in charge of the investigation,” added Baljit.
Baljit Singh said their client was being unlawfully targeted and for that reason has suffered immeasurable damage and is on the brink of financial ruin.
He said Adlan’s reputation is severely damaged and he has suffered mental anguish and trauma.
“His young family continues to suffer. Our client is not a politician and is aghast at any attempt to use him as a tool to obtain political mileage from anyone.
“The media release seeking assistance to locate him is totally unnecessary and an attempt to malign and humiliate our client.
“Our client is also surprised that the prime minister has seen fit to comment on this issue which suggests that there is some plot at play,” said Baljit.
He added that Adlan will not hesitate in commencing the necessary action to protect, preserve, and vindicate his rights as protected by the constitution and the laws. – The Vibes, August 9, 2023