Hisham may be quizzed by MACC, says lawyer
PUTRAJAYA: A lawyer has claimed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission may call up former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to provide his statement on an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the 14th General Election (GE14).
Datuk Shaharuddin Ali, the lawyer representing former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) directorgeneral Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid, claimed that in extending the remand for his client at the magistrate’s court here yesterday, MACC was tracking down two Saudi Arabian princes to assist in investigations.
Hasanah was remanded for five days from last Wednesday.
Shaharuddin said MACC applied to extend her remand for another seven days, adding that the court allowed for a one-day extension.
He said MACC gave nine reasons to extend the remand order against Hasanah.
Among them, he said, were that the commission wanted to trace the balance of the money and several luxury watches that had not been found, as well as to trace the movements and raid the house of his client.
“There is also the issue of bringing home three individuals in Abu Dhabi believed to be involved in the case.
“What is surprising is that Hishammuddin’s name was mentioned as someone that MACC may be investigating regarding the case involving Hasanah and seven MEIO officers. They said they may call him in soon.
“We have informed the court that five days (remand) are sufficient. The investigation progress is slow, and this cannot be placed on Hasanah’s shoulders.”
He said Hasanah gave her statement in court stating that she was carrying out her duties as MEIO director-general under the order of the government, and denied Hishammuddin and the princes’ involvement in the case.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki declined to comment.