Charges against me meant to distract from government's failures,' claims Wan Saiful

KUALA LUMPUR: The money laundering charges brought against him are an effort by the government to distract the rakyat from real issues, says Bersatu lawmaker Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

He said that instead of focusing on pressing issues faced by the rakyat, the government was desperate to find ways to hide their “failures” by charging him.

“The charges made against me are just an effort to distract the rakyat from various failures made by the government,” he told reporters outside the court here on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Earlier, the Tasek Gelugor MP claimed trial at the Sessions Court to 18 money laundering charges involving a total amount of over RM5.59mil.

Wan Saiful pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin today.

The former Bersatu information chief also said that the charges against him were made hastily to the point there was an error at the initial hearing today.

“When I entered the first courtroom, I was expecting to hear the charges. However, I was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) even before hearing the charges against me.

“I don’t understand how that could happen. Then, I was transferred to another courtroom where I heard the charges,” he said.

Earlier, the charges were supposed to be heard before Sessions Court Judge Rozina Ayob.

However, due to an administrative error, the deputy public prosecutor requested for a “DNAA” while the charges were being filed.

The case was then transferred to be heard before Judge Suzana Hussin.

Wan Saiful urged the government to quickly implement the legal reforms after taking over the administration from Perikatan Nasional.

He also said the government should stop giving excuses in order to delay the reforms promised.

“I’m aware that there are studies being conducted to look into these reforms. But I’m afraid that would just be an excuse to further delay the implementation,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that he would still show up in court to prove his innocence.

"I accept this fate and I will attend the court proceedings to clear my name," he said.

The charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla).

If convicted, Wan Saiful faces a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification, or RM5mil, whichever is higher.

In February, Wan Saiful was charged with two counts of corruption involving some RM6.9mil linked to Jana Wibawa programme.

His bid to strike out the graft charges failed in July after the application was dismissed by the Sessions Court here.

Judge Rozina Ayob who presided over the case ordered the trial to proceed and the trial will begin in March next year.