Ex-Bank Rakyat officials freed of RM15m CBT charge
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Bank Rakyat managing director Datuk Mustafha Abd Razak and former chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal were acquitted and discharged by the sessions court for criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving almost RM15 million.
Judge Madihah Hasbullah acquitted the duo after deputy public prosecutor Afzanizam Abdul Aziz told the court the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has withdrawn the charges against them.
Madihah ordered their bail of RM400,000 each to be refunded.
Lawyer Datuk Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, representing Mustafha, said the court decision has vindicated his client.
“We sent a representation to the AGC on June 1. As the charges against my client were dropped, the charges against the second accused (Abdul Aziz) were dropped as well. I would like to thank the AGC and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency for the thorough consideration. “This decision proves my clients’ innocence,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said they are grateful to the lawyers and to the AGC.
“This vindicates us, proves that we are innocent. Not just us, our families suffered when we were charged,” Abdul Aziz said outside the courtroom.
Mustafha and Abdul Aziz were both charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code with committing the offence at Bank Rakyat headquarters in March, 2016.
They were charged on Sept 7, 2016 and both had claimed trial. – by Vathani Panirchellvum