PETALING JAYA: The lockup attire worn by former Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was of his own choosing, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says.
The MACC said that the wearing of the lockup garb and handcuffs was at his own request and that he had been advised to change back into normal clothing before being brought to court.
"For the record, before he was brought to court, he was advised by MACC officers, the police officers escorting him and his lawyer to change into normal clothing. He was also told that there was no need for him to wear handcuffs. However, he insisted on remaining in the lock-up clothing and wearing the handcuffs until the charge-reading process was completed.
“The MACC therefore wishes to stress that the wearing of lock-up clothing and handcuffs by him was not at the instruction or request of any party, particularly MACC. In this regard, MACC urges all parties not to engage in speculation or disseminate inaccurate information, particularly regarding this matter,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
Earlier, the former Baling MP pleaded not guilty to charges of using his position to secure the chairmanship of a company with a RM690,000 annual salary 12 years ago.
He posted bail afterwards at about 2.15pm.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on TH, published on the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) official portal on July 29, recommended, among other measures, a forensic audit to examine investment decision-making that led to a significant decline in the institution's asset value.
The report, which examined TH's management and operations between 2014 and 2020, also identified investments requiring a forensic audit.
The report also found suspicious transactions and concealed information.
