PADANG Serai Member of Parliament Datuk Azman Nasrudin was released this afternoon after posting RM75,000 bail, following a Sessions Court decision earlier today.
The 53-year-old lawmaker, a three-term Bersatu MP, furnished the bail through a single surety and left the court complex appearing composed, accompanied by supporters.
Azman faces a charge of abetting corruption in connection with a Kedah state-owned cattle farming joint-venture, specifically the Fidlot Beef Cattle Project managed by Kedah Agro.
The charge, framed under Section 28(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Speaking to reporters after his release, Azman strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and politically motivated.
“The allegation is baseless. It violates my rights. There is nothing to show that I committed any wrongdoing. The charge is without basis. There is no evidence that I took or asked for any money. I am accused of abetting and directing someone, but there is simply no proof,” New Straits Times reported him saying.
He added his vocal stance on parliamentary and state issues may have prompted attempts to target him, including his earlier criticisms of the Prime Minister.
“I questioned the prime minister's explanation on support letters in Parliament. Perhaps some parties were unhappy,” Azman added.
The case centres on accusations that Azman allegedly abetted businessman Amar Assuat Abu Bakar in receiving a RM400,000 bribe from a contractor, purportedly as a reward for facilitating the cattle farming project.
Azman is said to have directed the Kedah Agro Holding Bhd chief executive to issue an offer letter to the contractor.
Amar Assuat separately claimed trial at the same court to two counts of soliciting and receiving the RM400,000 bribe from the contractor between June 20 and June 30, 2020.
The proceedings have been adjourned, and Azman is expected to stand trial in due course while maintaining his assertion of political interference in the charge. - December 8, 2025
