What We Know So Far About About The MACC Raids At Abdul Azeez-Linked Properties
The authorities have so far seized more than half a million ringgit in cash, among others.
By Tang Ruxyn — 24 May 2018, 01:21 PM
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided several properties linked to UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim on Tuesday, 22 May
It was reported that the anti-graft agency conducted simultaneous raids at three properties linked to the Baling MP - at his homes in Subang Jaya, Selangor and Baling, Kedah, and the his office in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
Azeez, who confirmed with New Straits Times about the raids, said that he will give his full cooperation to assist in any investigation.
The raids are believed to be a part of MACC's probe into the case under Section 16 of the MACC Act pertaining to soliciting/receiving gratification.
1. The MACC has seized RM500,000 cash from the raids
The authorities also seized more cash in other currencies, including US dollars, British pounds, Maldivian rufiya, and Saudi riyal, although there have been differing reports on the amount.
The Star Online reported that the MACC managed to seize another RM400,000 in other currencies while a report from Astro Awani stated that the various currencies seized totalled up to RM1.2 million.
2. Azeez has since claimed that some of the cash seized belonged to welfare organisation Kelab Putera 1Malaysia (KP1M)
"The mixed currencies were money belonging to Kelab Putera 1Malaysia and were from the 40 countries that we have given aid to in the past," he told Malay Mail when contacted yesterday, 23 May.
Azeez is the president of KP1M, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which he founded in 2010 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
3. It was alleged that part of the RM500,000 cash seized was supposed to be used as financing for a mission to Gaza, Palestine
Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim was appointed as Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman in 2013.
Image via MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI/NSTAzeez, who was appointed as the chairman of the country's largest Islamic fund and savings manager, Lembaga Tabung Haji in 2013, said a mission to Gaza was planned for after the 14th General Election (GE4) on 9 May.
When contacted by Bernama yesterday, 23 May, he added that another part of the sum of money seized was meant for the Baling UMNO division to be given to people in the constituency in conjunction of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Azeez also told The Star Online that the authorities took a some time to count the money seized because most of it was already placed inside envelopes to be distributed to the constituents during the buka puasa events.
4. MACC officials also confiscated luxury watches but Azeez claimed that most of them are "fake"
The Star Online reported Azeez as saying that some 14 of the 20 watches seized were actually "triple A" grade "underwater" pieces.
"I could not produce the certificates for most of the watches as many are fakes. I bought them because they look nice and I shared them with my son.
"Of course, a few pieces are genuine. I have been working for over 30 years, of course I can afford to buy a few real watches," Azeez was quoted as saying.
It was also learned that MACC seized several pieces of jewellery belonging to his wife.
5. Following the raids, Azeez revealed that he has tendered his resignation as the Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman
Azeez reportedly said his resignation letter was submitted the fund's legal department on 14 May, several days after the 14th general election.
"As far as I'm concerned, I have already personally resigned as chairman of Lembaga Tabung Haji, awaiting an official acknowledgement from the government via a ministry in-charge of Islamic affairs," Malay Mail quoted him as saying yesterday.
The Lembaga Tabung Haji board has confirmed in a statement today, 24 May, that it received Azeez's resignation as chairperson of the board, thanking him for his service.
