Former Army Chief, Ex-Armed Forces Commander to Face Corruption Charges This Week : MACC

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that a former Army chief and a former Armed Forces chief will be charged in court this week following investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, MACC said it has obtained the Attorney General’s consent to prosecute three individuals  two senior figures from the Malaysian Armed Forces and one civilian after completing its investigations.
Among those to be charged is former Army chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, along with his wife, Salwani Anuar. Both will face four charges under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).

The charges will be read at the Kuala Lumpur Special Corruption Court on Jan 22. MACC added that Hafizuddeain will face two additional charges at the Shah Alam Special Corruption Court on Jan 23, while his wife will be charged under the same Act at the Jertih Sessions Court in Terengganu on Jan 26.

Separately, MACC said former Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar will also be charged on Friday. He is expected to face two counts under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for alleged abuse of power, linked to investigations involving the Armed Forces Welfare Fund.

In addition, Mohd Nizam will be charged with one count under Section 409 and one count under Section 165 of the Penal Code, relating to criminal breach of trust and receiving gratification, respectively.

MACC further revealed that investigations into two other senior Armed Forces officers are at their final stage, with investigation papers expected to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor in the near future.

“The MACC reiterates its commitment to addressing corruption and abuse of power firmly, transparently, and without compromise, in line with the principles of the rule of law,” the commission said.