TWO executives of NGO (non governmental organisation) Aman Palestin and a company director have pleaded not guilty in the sessions court to a total of 100 charges related to money laundering, criminal breach of trust (CBT), and cheating.
Aman Palestin executive chairman Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman and CEO Awang Suffian Awang Piut claimed trial after the charges were read to them before judge Datuk Anita Harun.
The charges encompass violations under Section 409 of the Penal Code for CBT, Section 420 for cheating, and Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
Zaik and Awang each face 52 counts of CBT involving RM20.9 mil, as well as 19 counts of money laundering totaling RM12.8 mil. Additionally, they are jointly charged with 29 counts of cheating amounting to RM5.75 mil.
Moreover, the court has granted bail to the duo at RM1 mil for all charges with one surety each, and ordered them to surrender their passports. They are required to pay half of the bail amount today, with the balance to be paid before the case mention scheduled for March 13.
If found guilty, Zaik and Awang would be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of at least five times the amount or value of proceeds from the unlawful activities, or RM5 mil, whichever is higher.
Additionally, both could face imprisonment ranging from two to 20 years, along with whipping and potential fines, for each charge under Section 409 of the Penal Code.
Under Section 420 of the Penal Code, each charge could result in a prison term of one to 10 years, along with whipping and potential fines.
Main photo credit: Malay Mail
