FORMER Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim today claimed trial to a charge of using his position to secure the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, in connection with a proposed RM193.5 million investment by the pilgrimage fund in the company in 2014.
Abdul Azeez, 60, entered his plea before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi after the charge was read to him.
“I understand. The statement is completely untrue, and I want to be tried,” he told the court.
The former Baling MP was wearing a purple police lock-up shirt and was handcuffed as he stood in the dock.
The charge alleges that Abdul Azeez, who was then chairman of Tabung Haji, used his position to obtain a benefit in the form of the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana.
The position came with an annual remuneration of RM690,000, as well as a BMW 7 Series and a permanent driver.
He is accused of directing then Tabung Haji chief executive officer Tan Sri Ismee Ismail to propose him as the fund’s representative in Putrajaya Perdana.
Abdul Azeez is also alleged to have persuaded members of the Tabung Haji board to approve an investment of up to RM193.5 million in the company, representing up to 30% of its existing issued share capital.
The alleged offence took place at the Tabung Haji boardroom at its Jalan Tun Razak headquarters here on Aug 25, 2014.
He is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum 20-year jail term and a fine of at least five times the value of the gratification involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib, Law Chin How and Atirah Mohd Azuarizanuddin are prosecuting.
Abdul Azeez is represented by lawyers Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad and Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat.
He was previously remanded for seven days from Aug 27 to Sept 2, together with former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, to assist investigations under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act.
The investigation followed disclosures made in the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into Tabung Haji. – September 9, 2026
