Azeez insisted on wearing lock-up attire and handcuffs, says MACC

Former Tabung Haji chairman Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim appeared in court today wearing purple remand attire and handcuffs, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reported. The commission stated that Azeez was advised by their officers, the escorting police, and his lawyer to change into civilian clothes and that there was no necessity for him to wear handcuffs.

Despite this, Azeez maintained his position by donning the lock-up attire and handcuffs until the charges were read, according to the MACC statement. The commission emphasized that the former MP's attire and handcuffs were not influenced by any party, particularly the anti-graft agency. They urged all parties to refrain from speculating or disseminating false information regarding the matter.

Azeez, who was accompanied by police as he headed to the bail payment counter, was seen as calm and cordial when approached for comment. The charges against him include abusing his position to obtain the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana Berhad, a company that provided an annual remuneration of RM690,000 and a BMW 7 Series vehicle.

He is also accused of influencing the Tabung Haji board of directors to approve a RM193.5 million investment in the company, in which he had a stake. The court granted Azeez bail of RM450,000 with two sureties and mandated regular visits to the MACC office.