Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, who will be transferred from MACC to a new prosecutorial post in the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) effective March 2, hopes that any speculation on his move would be put to rest.
He emphasised that such transfers were normal and that he is on good terms with MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki following the transfer order.
“I’ll do my job as usual. Those who know me know how I do my job, always. Lillahitaala (for the sake of Allah). I work for the government and carry out the mandate given to me; that is all.
“(And) Alhamdulillah, (my relationship with Azam) is okay, it remains as usual. I pray that his affairs would be made easier, such as what [Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform)] M Kulasegaran said in Parliament, ‘innocent until proven guilty’.
“Give Azam the space to explain (himself). Let’s just pray for the best,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex today.
He added that there is nothing wrong with his transfer, as he was not demoted but rather moved to another prosecutorial post with the same rank in AGC.
“Maybe there would be something better for me after this,” said the MACC’s Legal and Prosecution Division director.
Seven-year stint
Wan Shaharuddin had led several high-profile corruption cases throughout his seven-year stint with the MACC, including leading the prosecution team for cases involving Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng.
The prosecutor told reporters that he would continue handling these cases despite the change in his prosecutorial role and agency.
“I have been instructed to continue handling these high-profile cases, such as (Daim Zainuddin’s widow) Na’imah Khalid’s case, Muhyiddin’s trial that will begin soon, Lim’s corruption trial and many more.
“If I have the time, I will carry other cases to the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. That is my responsibility. I’m a deputy public prosecutor, and a DPP handles cases.”
A circular dated Feb 24 showed that Wan Shaharuddin would be transferred from MACC to AGC’s Trial and Appeal division deputy head II, where his new role is a supernumerary post.
A supernumerary post is a temporary, additional position created to accommodate an employee when no regular vacancy exists.
MACC, Azam under scrutiny
Wan Shaharuddin’s transfers came amid scrutiny on MACC for alleged misconduct involving Azam and its officers.
Bloomberg and Malaysiakini separately reported earlier this month that Azam owned significant shares in two companies that appeared to be in excess of what the civil service allowed.
Companies Commission of Malaysia records revealed that Azam had, at some point, held 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner Berhad and around 4.52 million shares in Awanbiru Technology Berhad.
The Velocity Capital Partner shares were believed to have been bought for around RM1.5 million, while the Awanbiru shares were estimated to have been valued between RM1.24 million and RM1.38 million at some point.
Subsequently, Bloomberg published another report, alleging that MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to strong-arm business rivals and stage corporate takeovers and that Azam was aware of the collusion and had even acted in support of such acts. - Mkini
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