Senior Armed Forces Officer Charged Over RM5 Million Criminal Breach of Trust

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 : Another high-ranking military officer has been brought before the court on corruption-related charges, following allegations involving millions of ringgit from a welfare fund.

The Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces chief, Major General Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis, pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court on Friday to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM5 million.

The 56-year-old officer confirmed that he understood the charge when it was read before Judge Suzana Hussin.

According to the charge sheet, Mohamed Fauzi was entrusted with RM5 million from a bank account belonging to the Armed Forces Welfare Fund (TKAT). He is accused of dishonestly misusing the funds by making an additional investment in Precious Amber International Bhd without obtaining approval from TKAT’s investment committee.

The alleged offence was said to have taken place at the Defence Ministry, Jalan Padang Tembak, on Nov 27, 2023.

The charge was brought under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of two to 20 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a possible fine upon conviction.

“I plead not guilty and ask for a trial,” Mohamed Fauzi told the court.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Law Chin How proposed bail at RM300,000 with one surety and requested that the accused’s passport be surrendered, citing concerns that he remains in active service and frequently travels overseas.

Defence counsel Datuk Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar said his client has three school-going children and stressed that the case involved alleged misuse of funds rather than misappropriation for personal gain. He described the proposed bail amount as excessive and sought a reduced bail of RM70,000, assuring the court that his client would attend all proceedings.

The prosecution later indicated it had no objection to reducing the bail amount, provided it was reasonable, as the accused agreed to surrender his passport.

Judge Suzana subsequently fixed bail at RM100,000 with one surety and ordered Mohamed Fauzi to surrender his passport to the court until the case is concluded.

The matter has been fixed for mention on March 16.