Evidence shows ex-Perlis MB received over RM1m from illicit activities, witness says

 

An investigating officer told the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today that his investigations revealed that there was direct evidence showing that former Perlis menteri besar Azlan Man received RM1.06 million from illicit activities related to the cancellation of his vacation package abroad.

MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing (Amla) Branch Investigation Division assistant director Safwan Arbangi, 33, said Sri Kedawang Travel & Tours (W) Sdn Bhd and Aidil Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd were instructed to cancel Azlan’s travel reservations overseas and return the money from the Perlis government to Azlan (above).

"The holiday package reservation was made by Herwardy Hashim (Azlan’s then senior private secretary) on the orders of Azlan and he (Azlan) then ordered Herwardy to inform both tour agencies about the package cancellation.

"My investigation found that the refund was set by Azlan himself as he cancelled his holiday. This statement was via documents and bank statements of both parties and witness statements,” the prosecution’s 19th witness said while reading his witness’ statement during the former Perlis MB’s trial.

He said both tour agencies were instructed to refund the money to Azlan through four cheques totalling RM852,207.28 and RM207,468 in cash from 2014 to 2017.

No tours happened

Safwan also said that Azlan requested that the money from the Perlis government be deposited through Local Order (LO) into the bank accounts of the tour agencies for the tour packages, and that the tours did not happen.

"Overall, through the investigation I conducted, I found consistent statements from witnesses and documents I obtained to show the basis of the offence of receiving money from illicit activities under Section of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amlatfpuaa) 2001, carried out by Azlan," the witness said.

Asked by deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat how he came to the conclusion that Azlan received the illicit money, Safwan said the overseas travel claims were made five times from 2013 to 2017 using LO, and it was money from the Perlis state government, and that Azlan was the one who cancelled the trips.

"Money withdrawals from the Perlis government’s account for this case were made using LO five consecutive times and all five times, Azlan had cancelled the tour package approved by the Perlis state secretary’s office’s financial officials.

"In line with the LOs, whatever regulations and procedures must follow application instructions from the LOs that were enforced and the trip must be conducted according to the LO instead of otherwise,” he said.

Safwan added that his investigations found that, based on statements by Perlis finance and treasury officials, if the LOs were cancelled on Azlan’s instructions, the money should be returned to the state government, not to Azlan.

Azlan, 67, is being charged with five counts of submitting false claims and five counts of receiving illicit money totalling RM1.06 million, along with five alternative counts of misusing RM1.06 million belonging to the Perlis state government, which was paid to Sri Kedawang Travel and Aidil Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd.

The trial in front of judge Azura Alwi will resume on April 23.

- Bernama