Ahmad Maslan seeks to quash RM2m money-laundering charges
KUALA LUMPUR: Former deputy finance minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has applied for his money-laundering charges in connection with the RM2 million he purportedly received from Datuk Seri Najib Razak to be quashed.
His counsel, Hamidi Mohd Noh, said that the application to challenge the charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, AntiTerrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFAPUAA) 2001 was made on grounds that the charges were “baseless”.
Hamidi said a notice of motion was filed on Feb 11 and the notice was submitted to the prosecution on Feb 14.
Sessions Court judge Azman Ahmad has fixed March 26 to hear Ahmad’s application.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Noor Hafizan appeared for the prosecution.
On Jan 21, the Pontian member of parliament was charged with involvement in money laundering by not declaring to the Inland Revenue Board the RM2 million he received from Najib via a cheque dated Nov 27, 2013 in his tax filing for the year.
He also faces another charge of giving a false statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission when it was recorded under Section 32 of AMLATFAPUAA by the agency’s investigating officer, Mohd Zairi Zainal.
The offence was committed at the media conference room, Parliament Building at Jalan Parlimen here between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on July 4, 2019.
According to the charge sheet, among Ahmad’s statements which were deemed false, was his denial that he had received any money from Najib.