The Court of Appeal today refused Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim's appeal to strike out the corruption and money laundering charges against him.
However, the three-person panel led by judge Kamaluddin Md Said allowed Azeez's appeal to nullify four out of 10 money laundering charges.
The court nullified the four charges because they failed to provide the particulars of where the offences took place and merely stated that it happened "around Klang Valley".
The other bench members were judges Abu Bakar Jais and Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali.
In 2019, Azeez (above) was charged with accepting bribes of RM5.2 million over road construction projects in Kedah and Perak.
He was also charged with 10 counts of money laundering involving RM13.9 million from Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd.
The Umno supreme council member appealed against the charges, arguing that they were done in bad faith.
'Lawful remuneration'
Speaking to reporters later, his lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad noted that the Court of Appeal found discrepancies in MACC investigators’ financial analysis.
The MACC analysis stated the funds in question came from "lawful remuneration".
However, the court said this is a matter for the trial, which will continue before the Sessions Court.
Amer said this is notable as Azeez's legal team has made representations to the attorney-general (AG) on the matter, to show how the charges are defective and should be dropped.
However, the AG has not yet responded to their representations.
"We hope after hearing the Court of Appeal's advice, the AG would consider (the representations) and make a decision," he added.
Amer assured that even if the case goes to trial, the Umno lawmaker is in good stead.
"We have nothing to fear because we have facts and evidence that can clearly exonerate Azeez," he said. - Mkini
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