Former Perlis Menteri Besar Faces Money Laundering Charges as Prosecution Examines Representation Letter
Former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man is facing charges of money laundering and false claims as the prosecution examines the letter of representation submitted by Azlan to the Attorney General’s Chambers. The Sessions Court was informed that the prosecution needed time to review the letter, which was received via email only yesterday.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat stated that her team required this time to thoroughly examine the representation letter before briefing the Attorney-General. Azlan’s lawyer, Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid, added that his team also needed additional time to gather evidence and complete the document.
Judge Azura Alwi fixed Jan 12, 2024, for the mention of the case, with a nine-day trial set to commence on July 18, 2024.
Azlan, who is 65 years old, had previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of submitting false overseas travel claims, amounting to over RM1.18 million, between December 2013 and December 2017. These alleged offenses were supposedly committed at the Perlis State Secretary’s Office, State Legislative Assembly Complex, Persiaran Wawasan in Kangar.
The charges against Azlan fall under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and carry a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.
In addition, on April 12, Azlan claimed trial in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on five charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities totalling RM1.06 million between Feb 19, 2014, and December 2017. The offenses were allegedly committed at the Maybank branch in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, CIMB Bank branch in Putrajaya, and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
These charges are filed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. If convicted, Azlan may face imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of at least five times the amount or value of the proceeds obtained from money laundering or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
On June 9, Judge Azura allowed all charges to be tried in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur.
While these developments unfold, the examination of the representation letter holds significance for the course of the case. It remains to be seen how the prosecution will proceed based on their review of the letter and whether it will affect the nature or outcome of the charges against Azlan.
This case is just one example of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and money laundering in Malaysia. As the legal process continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and accountability in public office. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly be a topic of interest as it unfolds in the coming months.
