Azeez freed but son arrested
MACC to question Baling MP’s runner over father’s dealings
PUTRAJAYA: After 10 days under remand, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim has been released but his son has been arrested over the Baling MP’s alleged corruption and money laundering activities, involving millions of ringgit.
Abdul Azeez left the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) building here at about 10am and was greeted by a group of supporters clad in orange Tshirts.
His release came shortly after a RM500,000 bail was posted by his son.
But barely two hours later, the 24yearold was summoned to the MACC where he was arrested to assist in the ongoing investigation in relation to his father.
It is learnt the arrest was to shed more light over the allegations against Abdul Azeez.
“Among others, he is being investigated over his role as a runner or proxy between companies interested in getting projects from the previous administration and his father,” said a source.
Investigators are also not ruling out the possibility to call in Abdul Azeez again.
The former Tabung Haji chairman, aged 51, was arrested on Sept 25, together with his brother.
“We are questioning several more people and gathering the necessary evidence.
“Investigators are working towards charging him,” added the source.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest of Abdul Azeez’s son and another man, said to have links with the Umno supreme council member.
The 40yearold car dealer with the title “Datuk Indera” has been remanded for six days.
It is learnt that the suspect was being investigated for allegedly acting as a proxy and runner for Abdul Azeez, helping the politician to transfer money received from construction companies.
The MACC’s probe revolves around allegations that Abdul Azeez had demanded kickbacks to help interested parties secure contracts and government tenders from the previous administration.
Investigators were looking into his close relationship with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as a “selling point” to get things done.
Yesterday, magistrate Ahmad Afiq Hassan also allowed Abdul Azeez’s elder brother Datuk Abdul Latiff to be freed.
On May 23, the MACC raided Abdul Azeez’s homes and offices and seized RM500,000 in cash, 20 watches and several pieces of jewellery.
But he claimed that part of the money was from his Umno allocation while some foreign currencies were from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia.