Ahmad Maslan's money laundering false statement trial goes to High Court

KUALA LUMPUR (July 13): UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan's trial over charges of money laundering of RM2 million he allegedly received from former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak and making false statements in relation to the matter will now be heard at the High Court.

This comes after High Court Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah allowed Ahmad, who is also the Pontain member of Parliament, to transfer his case from the Sessions Court to the High Court.

The court found that there are serious questions of law arising from his charge under Section 32 (8) of the Anti Money-Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Unlawful Activity Act (AMLATFPUA).

There are two cases similar in nature with Ahmad's matter. The two known cases involve senior lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and former Federal Land Development Authority chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Ahmad's lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh confirmed today's decision to theedgemarkets.com when contacted.

Hamidi said no mention of dates was fixed by the High Court for case management of the matter.

Originally, Ahmad's trial was supposed to start today before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin, but the politician had filed the application to transfer the case.

Ahmad, 54, is charged with money laundering by not stating his real income after receiving RM2 million from Najib that allegedly originated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd, in the Income Tax Return Form for the 2013 year of assessment.

By doing so, he is said to have violated Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967.

The former deputy minister allegedly committed the offence at the Inland Revenue Board, Duta Branch, Government Office Complex, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim on April 30, 2014.

He is charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the AMLATFPUA whereby if convicted, he stands to face a maximum RM5 million fine or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Ahmad is also charged with giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission when questioned by investigating officer Principal Senior Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zairi Zainal about the former issuing a media conference statement at the Parliament between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on July 4, 2019.

This charge is framed under Section 32(8)(c) of the AMLATFPUA, which brings a maximum fine of RM3 million or a maximum jail term of five years or both if convicted.

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