PROSECUTION VOWS TO PROVE MONEY LAUNDERING CASE AGAINST EX-ARMY CHIEF, WIFE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The prosecution is committed to proving its case against former Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, who stand accused of money laundering involving millions of ringgit.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said that, despite the risks and various complexities in handling the case, the team would do its utmost to secure a conviction.

“This case involves millions of ringgit. We will strive to the best of our ability to prove it. That is my principle. While I cannot state with certainty that a conviction will be secured, we will do our very best,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex today.

He said Muhammad Hafizuddeain will face two additional money laundering charges at the Shah Alam Sessions Court tomorrow, while his wife will face a similar charge at the Jertih Sessions Court in Terengganu next Monday.

“All these cases will be transferred and consolidated for a joint trial at the Sessions Court here,” he added.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Hafizuddeain’s lawyer, Aizul Rohan Anuar, said his client will vigorously contest the charges to clear his name.

“This case is at a preliminary stage, and my client has not been proven guilty,” he said.

Earlier, the couple was brought before two separate Sessions Courts to face the money laundering charges.

First, Muhammad Hafizuddeain, 58, pleaded not guilty before Judge Azura Alwi to four counts of receiving more than RM2.12 million, allegedly derived from unlawful activities.

Subsequently, before Judge Rosli Ahmad, his wife, Salwani, pleaded not guilty to four charges of receiving a total of RM77,000 from similar illicit proceeds.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had detained the former Army chief and his two wives on Jan 7 under 'Ops Parasit' in connection with tender procurement projects. 

-- BERNAMA