Prosecution Closes Case Against Former Perlis MB After 21 Witnesses Testify

KUALA LUMPUR,  June 19  (Bernama) -- The prosecution today closed its case in the Sessions Court here after calling 21 witnesses to testify in the trial involving former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, who faces 10 charges related to submitting false claims and receiving proceeds from unlawful activities.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat informed Judge Azura Alwi that the prosecution had concluded its case following testimony from the final witness, Ministry of Higher Education Budget Division Chief Senior Assistant Secretary Mawar Awang.

Noralis also told the court that the prosecution would not be offering any witnesses to the defence should the accused be ordered to enter his defence.

Judge Azura then fixed July 30 for both parties to file written submissions, while reply submissions are to be submitted by Sept 7. The court also scheduled Oct 1 for clarification proceedings.

Azlan was represented by lawyers Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid and Ramli Shariff.

The trial, which began on July 18, 2024, heard evidence from several witnesses including former Sri Kedawang Travel & Tour (W) Sdn Bhd (SKTT) managing director Shafiei Ismail, former secretary for both the Perlis State Legislative Assembly and the Perlis State Executive Council Norazlan Yahya, former senior private secretary to Azlan, Herwardy Hashim; and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer Mohamad Safwan Arbangi.

Azlan, 67, is facing five charges of allegedly using documents containing false information to claim overseas holiday benefits for trips to London amounting to more than RM1.18 million, despite the trips allegedly never taking place.

The documents allegedly included invoices and quotations for flights and accommodation issued by SKTT and Aidil Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, along with Perlis State Government orders used to support transportation and lodging claims.

The alleged offences were said to have been committed at the Perlis State Secretary’s Office in Kangar between December 2013 and December 2017.

The charges are framed under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which provides a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.

The former Bintong Assemblyman also faces five charges of allegedly receiving RM1.06 million in proceeds from unlawful activities involving payments linked to SKTT, Aidil Travel & Tours and Abdul Rahim Halim, who represented Aidil Travel.

Those alleged offences were said to have occurred between Feb 19, 2014 and Dec 2017 at Maybank Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman branch, CIMB Bank Putrajaya branch and Sheraton Imperial Hotel here and were framed under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

In addition, Azlan also faces alternative charges under Section 403 of the Penal Code involving the alleged misappropriation of Perlis government funds amounting to RM1.06 million for the 2014 to 2017 financial years.

If convicted, Azlan could be sentenced to a prison term of not less than six months and a maximum of five years and caning and a fine.

--  BERNAMA