Lawyer denies govt forfeited funds in Abdul Azeez family’s Tabung Haji accounts

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — In response to allegations that the government forfeited RM18 million in Tabung Haji (TH) accounts belonging to the Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim family, the family's lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, has denied the claims. Amer stated in a press release that his client, former TH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, was not charged with taking, misappropriating, or misusing the RM193.5 million mentioned in the case.

Instead, the charge stated that Azeez used his position as TH chairman to obtain a position in Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, which included benefits like annual remuneration, a vehicle, and a permanent driver. Amer emphasized that the RM193.5 million value pertained to TH's investment in Putrajaya Perdana Bhd and not personal funds linked to Azeez or his family.

He further noted that the family's TH accounts had previously been investigated by authorities, but no funds were forfeited or found to be misappropriated. Amer also referenced the Royal Commission of Inquiry into TH, which found no evidence to support claims that Azeez took or misappropriated TH funds for himself or his family.

The prosecution is one of several cases involving former TH officials following the release of the Royal Commission report, which highlighted problematic investments, including the Putrajaya Perdana deal.