PERIKATAN Nasional chairperson Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s son-in-law Muhammad Adlan Berhan has denied claims of being a fugitive and pledged his return to Malaysia if conditions of “threats and persecution” are absent.
In a press statement issued through his lawyer Baljit Singh Sidhu this afternoon, Adlan said he left the country legally. The statement was in response to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) announcement on Aug 7 that it was searching for Adlan, 48, and lawyer Mansoor Saat, 69.
MACC’s pursuit of Adlan and Mansoor is linked to an investigation involving foreign worker biometric data management at a ministry. The anti-graft agency claimed that both individuals left the country in May.
“Our client, like any other free citizen of Malaysia, has the right of movement and travel, including overseas, and more so to conduct his business in any part of the world,” said the lawyer.
“The exercise of these rights by our client should not be construed or mischaracterised as an attempt to avoid or stall investigations.”
Baljit highlighted that prior to leaving the country, Adlan had never been arrested or received a summons by MACC for questioning or assistance in any investigation before his departure from Malaysia.
He added that Adlan was contacted by an MACC officer and responded in a letter on June 3 that he would be travelling overseas for business and gave a tentative date for his return. However, Baljit claimed that MACC has not responded to Adlan’s letter.
The lawyer explained that Adlan’s letter addressed certain “abnormalities” in MACC’s conduct such as freezing his and his company’s accounts without prior notice or cause.
Alleging that Adlan was “threatened” and “harassed incessantly” by MACC officers, Baljit firmly rejected the implication that Adlan couldn’t be contacted.
“He has maintained communication with the lead investigator handling the case. He has consistently expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investigation, provided it is conducted lawfully and devoid of threats against him and his family,” emphasised Baljit.
“These issues have ‘clearly established’ that the investigation is not being conducted objectively within the legal framework and thus is threatening Adlan’s civil liberties, which are protected by the Federal Constitution.”
Clarifying that Adlan is not a politician, Baljit highlighted his client’s concern about being manipulated for political gains by various parties, including law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, Baljit criticised the timing of MACC’s press release, issued shortly before Saturday’s (Aug 12) elections in six states, suggesting a political motive.
“He is not a soft target to be used to get at or to exact comeuppance at any politician. The press release seeking assistance to locate him is thus totally unnecessary. It is also an attempt to malign and humiliate our client.
“Our client is also surprised that Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has seen fit to comment on this issue, which suggests that there is some plot at play.”
During a ceramah (talk) in Penang yesterday (Aug 8), Anwar urged Adlan to present himself if he believed in his innocence.
“If he feels that he is not guilty, he should defend himself. Running away is not a good example,” The Star quoted the PM as saying. – Aug 9, 2023
Main photo credit: Malaysiakini
