Court proceedings involving a former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) have been postponed to 24 September after he was hospitalised for examination and treatment of a heart condition.
His lawyer Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin told the court that his client had been admitted to UM Specialist Centre (UMSC) on 31 August and was unable to attend today’s proceedings.
He said the former COO was undergoing serial electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and required hospitalisation on the advice of a cardiologist.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Muaz Ahmad Khairuddin left it to the court’s discretion on whether the charges could be read in the accused’s absence.
Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud subsequently adjourned the proceedings to 24 September, when the charges will be read.
“The court is of the view that it is not feasible for him (the former COO) to be present in court as he is currently undergoing medical examinations and treatment for a heart condition,” he said.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Wan Azwan said his client would face three charges of corruption under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
The case is linked to the MACC’s investigation following the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into TH.
Previously, MACC obtained remand orders against 11 individuals to assist in the investigation, including TH’s former chairman, former chief executive officer, a former minister, senior management personnel and individuals linked to related companies.
