FORMER Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan has hit back at the bribery charges against him, describing them as baseless and insisting that he has nothing to be ashamed of.
“Don’t use tactics like this to bring down a politician. I have a family too, and I am not ashamed at all,” said Saravanan, 58, after being charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Friday.
Saravanan, who is also MIC deputy president and Tapah MP, said he was shocked by the charges and denied having any relationship with the individuals named in court.
“What is important is that I have never had any relationship with any of the individuals mentioned in court today. I do not know them except Syed Amirul, and even then only personally. I do not have a relationship with Syed Amirul,” he said at a press conference after the proceedings.
He said the facts of the case would be presented during the trial and urged all parties to allow the judicial process to take its course.
Saravanan earlier pleaded not guilty to three charges of accepting bribes totalling RM1.097 million in connection with the approval of foreign worker quotas four years ago.
Saravanan, who was dressed in a black suit, entered his plea after the charges were read before Judge Azura Alwi.
He also challenged those seeking to defeat him politically to do so at the ballot box rather than through such tactics.
“This is not the way to bring me down. Send your best candidate to Tapah, contest against me. Don’t use tactics like this to bring down a politician,” he said.
Saravanan said he was prepared to face the trial and called for the case to be expedited so that it would not drag on and affect his reputation.
“I am ready to face the court and I am ready to cooperate. Just speed up the case.
“There are not many witnesses, only a few. It can be completed within a month if necessary,” he said.
He also urged against delays in the proceedings that could damage his reputation.
“Don’t use delaying tactics to tarnish my name. If you are genuinely sincere about prosecuting me, speed up the case,” he said.
Saravanan said he had discussed the matter with the Prime Minister but denied ever seeking assistance to shield him from the charges.
“I did not ask the Prime Minister to protect me. I asked the Prime Minister to help look into the case because I am genuinely not involved. I did not ask him to help me resolve the matter. I asked that the investigation be continued,” he said.
Saravanan reiterated that the facts would emerge during the trial and urged the public to wait for the court proceedings.
“I am not ashamed at all of these allegations because when the facts come out, you will be ashamed.
“The people will know how I was accused based on false information. Just be patient; the facts will emerge soon,” he said.
As MIC deputy president, Saravanan said he also had a responsibility towards party members and wanted the trial to be brought forward.
“I am an elected representative and the deputy president of MIC. I have a responsibility towards my party members.
“I am only asking that this process be expedited; that is my only request,” he said. - August 28, 2026
