Former Perlis MB Azlan Man faces Jan 20, 2027 decision in RM1.18m false claims trial

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Perlis former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man faces a decision on Jan 20, 2027, regarding whether to enter his defence or be acquitted of 10 charges linked to alleged false claims and profiting from illicit activities. Judge Azura Alwi scheduled the date after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The trial could also be held on Feb 10-12, March 26, and April 16 and 30, 2027, if Azlan is ordered to defend himself.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat argued that Azlan made five claims for overseas travel between 2013 and 2017, claiming the trips were approved in his capacity as Menteri Besar. The 18th prosecution witness, Former Senior Private Secretary Herwardy Hashim, stated he was directed by Azlan to provide his bank account details to Shafiei Ismail, SKTT's managing director, for depositing funds received by SKTT.

Noralis pointed out that these claims could not be converted into cash, as the allocation was intended for travel expenses, not personal use. Former Assistant Accountant Mohd Aswad Abdul Razak testified that claims could not be converted into cash, as payment to the travel agent had already been confirmed by the Menteri Besar's Office.

Noralis further emphasized that Azlan's practice of transferring funds to his personal account annually could not be dismissed as an innocent mistake. If the trip was cancelled, the money should have been returned to the Perlis State Government, not given to Azlan. Defense counsel Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid claimed that the Perlis government allocated annual funds for the Menteri Besar's overseas travel, and a travel agent was necessary for bookings and securing the allocation.

Burhanudeen insisted that the entire claims process was transparent. The defense provided passport and immigration records to support their position.

Azlan Man, 67, is charged with five counts of submitting false claims involving overseas holiday travel facilities worth over RM1.18 million. He is also charged with five counts of receiving proceeds from illegal activities worth RM1.06 million between Feb 19, 2014 and December 2017 at various locations, including Maybank, CIMB Bank, and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. Additionally, Azlan faces five alternative charges of misappropriating RM1.06 million belonging to the Perlis government.