SHAH ALAM, Sept 3 — Court proceedings against a former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) have been postponed to Sept 24 as he is currently hospitalized for a heart condition.
Defense counsel Wan Azwan Aiman Wan Fakhruddin informed the court that his client was admitted to the UM Specialist Centre (UMSC) on Aug 31 for serial electrocardiogram (ECG) tests and remains hospitalized under the advice of a cardiologist.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Muaz Ahmad Khairuddin left it to the court’s discretion whether the charges should be read in the accused’s absence. Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud subsequently adjourned the case to Sept 24 for the formal reading of the charges.
“The court is of the view that it is not feasible for him (the former COO) to be present in court as he is currently undergoing medical examinations and treatment for a heart condition,” Judge Awang Kerisnada ruled.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Wan Azwan Aiman revealed that his client will face three charges of corruption under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
The proceedings are part of ongoing actions linked to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji. The MACC previously obtained remand orders against 11 individuals to assist in the probe, including a former TH chairman, a former chief executive officer, a former minister, senior management personnel, and representatives from related companies.
–NMT
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