No one forced Azeez to wear lock-up attire, handcuffs, says MACC

FORMER Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim chose to appear in court in a purple lock-up uniform and handcuffs despite being advised to change, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said today.

MACC said Azeez was advised before being brought to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to change into civilian clothes and that there was no need for him to remain in handcuffs.

The advice was given by MACC officers, police personnel escorting him and his lawyer, the agency said.

However, Azeez insisted on keeping the lock-up uniform and handcuffs on until the charge against him had been read in court.“MACC stresses that his wearing of the lock-up uniform and handcuffs was not at the instruction or request of any party, particularly MACC,” it said in a statement.

The agency also urged all parties to refrain from speculation and from circulating inaccurate information about the matter.

Abdul Azeez today claimed trial to a charge of using his position to secure the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, in connection with a proposed RM193.5 million investment by the pilgrimage fund in the company in 2014.

Abdul Azeez, 60, entered his plea before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi after the charge was read to him.

“I understand. The statement is completely untrue, and I want to be tried,” he told the court.

The former Baling MP was wearing a purple police lock-up shirt and was handcuffed as he stood in the dock.

The charge alleges that Abdul Azeez used his position to obtain a benefit in the form of the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana.

The position came with an annual remuneration of RM690,000, as well as a BMW 7 Series and a permanent driver.

He is accused of directing then Tabung Haji chief executive officer Tan Sri Ismee Ismail to propose him as the fund’s representative in Putrajaya Perdana.

Abdul Azeez is also alleged to have persuaded members of the Tabung Haji board to approve an investment of up to RM193.5 million in the company, representing up to 30% of its existing issued share capital.

The alleged offence took place at the Tabung Haji boardroom at its Jalan Tun Razak headquarters here on Aug 25, 2014.

He is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. – September 9, 2026