{
  "id": 6860949,
  "title": "Family savings not TH funds, never forfeited, says Azeez's lawyer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/family-savings-not-th-funds-never-forfeited-says-azeezs-lawyer",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T04:19:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1531091/family-savings-not-th-funds-never-forfeited-says-azeezs-lawyer"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Tabung Haji chairman Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim's lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, has refuted claims on social media that the Malaysian government has seized RM18 million in funds from TH accounts belonging to his clients. The lawyer also denied that the savings in TH accounts of Azeez's family members were linked to TH funds. He clarified that Azeez was not charged with taking, misappropriating, or misusing RM193.5 million in TH funds for personal or family benefits. The charge presented at Sessions Court No. 9 on September 8, 2026, alleged that Azeez used his position as Tabung Haji chairman to secure the position of chairman at Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, which allegedly resulted in annual remuneration, a vehicle, and a permanent driver. The lawyer stated that there is no mention of misappropriation or misuse of TH funds in the charge, and the RM193.5 million figure refers to the value of Tabung Haji's investment in Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, not funds allegedly given, taken, or deposited into personal accounts of Azeez or his family. Azeez's lawyer emphasized that the savings in TH accounts of Azeez's wife and children have no connection to the charges against his client and that these funds do not originate from TH or illegal activities. The Royal Commission of Inquiry report did not find evidence of Azeez misappropriating or taking TH funds for himself or his family. The lawyer reserved the right for Azeez and his family to take legal action against anyone disseminating false or defamatory statements regarding the matter.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim’s lawyer has denied allegations circulating on social media that the government had forfeited RM18 million in funds held in TH accounts belonging to his family members.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lawyer denies RM18 million seized from TH accounts of Azeez's clients.",
    "Azeez's family savings unrelated to TH funds, not linked to charges.",
    "No mention of misappropriation or misuse of TH funds in charge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This clarification by Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim's lawyer aims to protect his client's and family's reputations by separating their personal savings from the allegations of misconduct as Tabung Haji chairman.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Lawyer denies govt forfeited funds in Abdul Azeez family’s Tabung Haji accounts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/lawyer-denies-govt-forfeited-funds-in-abdul-azeez-familys-tabung-haji",
        "published": "2026-09-12T04:56:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}