THE RM1.1 million compound issued against Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan was a punitive act and a form of asset recovery under the country’s anti-money laundering law, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

In a statement released today, the MACC said Ahmad had previously been offered the compound deal in October 2019, but he chose to go to court instead.

“Accordingly, he was charged with two charges under Section 4 (1) and Section 32 (8) (c) of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 on January 20, 2020. During the trial period, he submitted representations and agreed to return to pay the compound,” it said.

On the first charge, he was accused of money-laundering by not stating his real income on the RM2 million he received from convicted former prime minister Najib Razak in the income tax return form for assessment year 2013, and in doing so, had violated Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967.

He was alleged to have received the money from Najib, believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities, through an AmIslamic Bank Berhad cheque dated November 27, 2013, which he personally cashed on the same day.

The offence was allegedly committed at the IRB, Duta Branch, Government Office Complex, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, on April 30, 2014.

The charge, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, provides a maximum fine of RM5 million, jail of up to five years, or both.

On the second charge, he was accused of giving false statement to MACC when questioned by investigating officer Mohd Zairi Zainal over the issue at the media conference room, at the Parliament building between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on July 4, 2019.

The charge, framed under Section 32(8)(c) of the same Act, provides a maximum fine of RM3 million, jail of up to five years, or both. – Bernama, September 29, 2021.