Former Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was charged in the Sessions Court today with abusing his position to secure the chairmanship of a company and influence the approval of a proposed RM193.5 million investment 12 years ago.
Abdul Azeez, 59, who is also the former Baling member of Parliament, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Azura Alwi.
“Understood the charge. The allegation is completely untrue and a trial is requested,” Abdul Azeez said.
According to the charge, Abdul Azeez allegedly used his position as TH chairman to obtain gratification through the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana Berhad, which came with annual remuneration of RM690,000, the use of a BMW 7 Series and a permanent driver.
He allegedly instructed then TH chief executive officer Tan Sri Ismee Ismail to propose his name as TH’s representative on the company’s board.
Abdul Azeez was also accused of influencing TH board members during the TH Board of Directors Meeting No. 4/2014 to approve an investment of up to RM193.5 million, involving up to 30% of the existing issued share capital in Putrajaya Perdana Berhad, in which he had an interest.
The alleged offences took place at the TH Board Meeting Room at the Tabung Haji Building, 201 Jalan Tun Razak here, on Aug 25, 2014.
The charge was framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
