Saravanan’s Defence Seeks Early Trial as Prosecution Requests Month for Cabinet Documents

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 – The defence in former Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan’s corruption case has requested the earliest possible trial date, emphasizing that the allegations trace back to 2022 and investigations have been prolonged.

Saravanan, 58, faces three charges of receiving corrupt gratification amounting to RM1.097 million in exchange for approving foreign worker quotas.

During case management on Tuesday, lead defence counsel Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent submitted before Sessions Court Judge Azrul Darus that remaining case files could be tendered prior to commencement without delaying trial scheduling.

“This case dates back to 2022, and the investigations have been ongoing since then. The outstanding documents could still be supplied to the defence before the trial begins. The prosecution can provide the documents at any time before the trial date. So, I am applying for the earliest available trial date,” Geethan Ram said.

Earlier in the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor P. Rubini informed the court that 22 document sets were served to the defence that morning, but two additional categories—Cabinet papers and Cabinet memoranda—remain outstanding.

Upon questioning by Judge Azrul regarding the timeline for the remaining files, Rubini stated that the investigating officer is actively obtaining clearance, requesting at least one month to complete service.

Judge Azrul subsequently fixed November 3 for next case mention and the setting of trial dates.

Saravanan pleaded not guilty on August 28 to three charges under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

According to the charge sheets:

• First & Second Charges: Saravanan is alleged to have received cash payments of RM150,000 and RM350,000 from Vectica Resources Sdn Bhd director Tan Teck Lim, 65, via intermediary Syed Amirul Syed Ahmad, 38, at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort and Bangsar on June 16 and July 7, 2022.
• Third Charge: He is accused of receiving RM597,000 from Tan via a cheque deposited into the Maybank Islamic Berhad account of Big Seven Ventures Sdn Bhd on July 7, 2022.

The payments were allegedly gratification for approving TYKB Engineering Sdn Bhd’s application for 1,000 foreign worker quotas.

If convicted under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act, Saravanan faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

–NMT