Ahmad Maslan claims trial again after graft case brought to High Court

Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan claimed trial to two charges of failing to declare RM2 million received from former prime minister Najib Razak and giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at the Kuala Lumpur High Court where his case was brought for re-mention today.

The case was originally set for trial at the Sessions Court. However, Ahmad’s application to have it transferred to the High Court was allowed on July 13.

At today’s proceeding, the prosecution, conducted by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Mukhzany Fariz Mohd Mokhtar, informed the court that 10 witnesses would be called to testify.

Hearing of the case has been set for 23 days next year, from June 7 to 9 and 13 to 15; July 18 to 21 and 25 to 28; and Aug 15 to 19 and 22 to 25.

On the charge of money laundering, Ahmad was alleged to have violated Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967 by not stating his real income on the RM2 million he received from Najib in the income tax return form for assessment year 2013.

He is alleged to have received the money, believed to be the proceeds of illegal activities, through a check from AmIslamic Bank Bhd dated Nov 27, 2013, which he personally cashed on the same day.

The offence was allegedly committed at the LHDN Duta branch on April 30, 2014.

The charge, framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, provides a maximum fine of RM5 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.

The other charge was for giving false statements to the MACC when questioned by investigating officer Mohd Zairi Zainal over the issue at the media conference room at the Parliament building between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on July 4, 2019.

The charge, framed under Section 32(8)c) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, provides a maximum fine of RM3 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.