Prosecution Witness Checked Azlan Man's Travel Records For 2013-2017

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- An assistant investigating officer from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) told the Sessions Court today that he had checked with the Immigration Department regarding Datuk Seri Azlan Man's travel abroad, including to London, between 2013 and 2017.

Mohamad Safwan Arbangi, 33, from the AMLA branch of the Anti-Money Laundering Division, was testifying during cross-examination by Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid, the lawyer for former Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man.

Azlan Man is facing ten charges of submitting false claims and receiving proceeds from unlawful activities.

The 19th prosecution witness agreed with the lawyer that Azlan's overseas travel eligibility during those years was limited to London only and that it would be an offence if such travel did not take place.

When asked by Burhanudeen whether he had made any checks with the Immigration Department regarding Azlan's travel from Kuala Lumpur to London or anywhere else during those five years, Mohd Safwan answered "yes."

Burhanudeen: What provision of the law states that when travel is cancelled, the money must be returned? Or is it merely a procedure?

Mohamad Safwan: It is a procedure.

During re-examination by deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat, the witness clarified that Azlan had applied for the holiday travel using Local Order forms from 2013 to 2017.

As such, he said, Azlan was required to follow the application as filed by the Perlis State Government Secretary's Office and comply with all procedures and regulations.

Noralis: In conclusion, you (Mohamad Safwan) conducted a thorough investigation of this case.

Mohamad Safwan: Correct.

Azlan, 67, faces five charges related to fraudulent claims for overseas travel facilities exceeding RM1.18 million, allegedly committed at the Perlis State Secretary’s Office between December 2013 and December 2017, involving quotations for flight tickets to London, United Kingdom, as well as invoices from Sri Kedawang Travel and Aidil Travel & Tours.

These charges were brought under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the false claims or RM10,000, whichever is higher. upon conviction.

He faces five additional charges of receiving RM1.06 million in proceeds from unlawful activities between Feb 19, 2014, and December 2017 at several locations, including a Maybank branch on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, a CIMB Bank branch in Putrajaya, and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. 

He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which provides a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the proceeds of the illegal activity or RM5 million, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

He is also accused of five alternative counts of allegedly misappropriating RM1.06 million in state funds paid to Sri Kedawang Travel and Aidil Travel & Tours, and charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to five years, caning and shall also be liable to a fine upon conviction.

The trial before Judge Azura Alwi will resume on April 30. 

-- BERNAMA