Azeez Rahim detained ahead of graft charges, says son

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim has been detained by Dang Wangi police ahead of an expected remand, his son said. Azeez's son, Azman Azeez, said in a Facebook post that his father was supposed to appear at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court tomorrow to face graft charges. "Tomorrow was also supposed to be the day he would join his fellow comrades at the Umno General Assembly. But tonight, all those plans have changed," he said. "I do not want to pre-empt the court process. Nor do I want to judge anyone. I only hope that this process will be conducted fairly, transparently and without prejudice. A charge is only a charge until it is proven in court," he said. A check of the court system showed that Azeez, a former Baling member of parliament, is scheduled to be charged before Judge Azura Alwi at 9am tomorrow. On Aug 27, Azeez and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Siregar were each remanded for seven days, until Sept 2, to assist investigations following disclosures related to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on the institution. Both men are being investigated under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009. The RCI report on Tabung Haji, published on July 29, recommended, among other measures, a forensic audit to examine past investment decision-making that led to a significant decline in the institution's asset value. Azman said his father was once again in custody, this time at the Dang Wangi police station, and was expected to be remanded tomorrow. "Tomorrow, my father was supposed to appear at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to face charges that were to be brought against him. "I only ask everyone reading this… Please pray for my father. Pray that Allah gives him strength, peace and protection. Pray that everything will be made easier for him. "And most importantly, pray that the truth will eventually find its way."