Umno’s Azeez in orange, will Rosmah be next?

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 –  Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Rahim was brought to the Magistrate’s Court in Putrajaya today, together with his older brother Latiff and a cousin to be remanded for investigations into corruption and money laundering allegations.

Azeez was seen wearing the orange uniform for MACC detainees as well as handcuffed.

Based on his appearance in court today, it could be surmised that the Umno supreme council member is considered a flight risk and may pose a danger to others by the MACC.

This has been ascertained from MACC’s own explanation on the criteria for when someone in their detention is brought to court is wearing the orange uniform or handcuffed, or both.

IO decides if detainee is a flight risk, danger to others

Last Saturday, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki told Bernama Radio that it was up to the investigating officer’s discretion as to how he judged the detainee.

“So I would like to state that there are many who wore it and many who did not.

“It is up to an investigator’s discretion on whether there is a need to wear certain clothes,” he was quoted as saying, in the wake of complaints that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib was not wearing the orange uniform during his court appearance last Thursday.

Azam then added that there were several aspects that needed to be taken into consideration, including the risk of an individual escaping and blending into a crowd.

“Usually, if the person is deemed to be a potential risk, he or she will be made to wear the orange uniform. It is on a case-by-case basis,” he was quoted as saying.

The three men were arrested last night and held overnight at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

Umno leader, supporters greet Azeez outside courthouse

Malaysiakini reported that a small group led by fellow Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam had greeted Azeez at the court complex, chanting “Hidup Azeez” (long live Azeez) and “Takbir” upon the latter’s arrival.

Azeez was last in the spotlight after his house and offices were raided on May 23 by MACC. RM500,000 in case, 20 watches and several pieces of jewellery were seized.

The former Tabung Haji chairman had claimed at the time that part of the money was from his Umno allocation, while some of the foreign currencies seized were from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia (KP1M), which he led under the previous Barisan Nasional government.

If Rosmah is arrested, will she be in orange?

Meanwhile, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrived at the MACC headquarters for questioning by the MACC this morning. This is despite MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull telling reporters two days ago that investigation papers against her had already been handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.

Some observers have pointed out that this could only mean that the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is likely to be arrested and held by the MACC today, and will make an appearance in court tomorrow to face criminal charges.

Malaysians are waiting with baited breath to see if Rosmah will get to wear whatever she wants, or instead don the orange uniform and/or be in handcuffs.

– NMT