The Kuala Lumpur High Court today acquitted and discharged Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan of charges of money laundering and giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

This after the prosecution withdrew the charges against the Pontian MP after he paid a RM1.1 million compound, reported New Straits Times (NST).

Messrs Shahrul Hamidi & Haziq, which represented Ahmad in the case, in a statement later said that the fine paid by their client does not amount to an admission of guilt by him.

"It was done in accordance with the law and has gone through a transparent and orderly process.

"This (settlement) is solely for the purpose of this case and has nothing to do with any political factors," the statement reportedly read, adding that the settlement was a win-win situation for all the parties involved.

The former deputy finance minister faced charges of money laundering by not declaring his real income to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) on the RM2 million he received from former premier Najib Razak.

Ahmad purportedly received the money from Najib via a cheque dated Nov 27, 2013, and he cashed it on the same day.

For the offence of not declaring the matter to the IRB, Ahmad faced up to five years in jail or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

In addition, Ahmad also faced a charge of giving false statements to the MACC when he was questioned by an officer of the agency regarding the matter, on July 4, 2019.

For this offence, Ahmad faced a maximum fine of RM3 million, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, if found guilty.


Source: NST
Photo source: Astro Awani